Ignition Systems: 2.2L

On non-turbo engines, a Hall Effect electronic distributor with mechanical and vacuum advance is used. A reluctor, mounted on the distributor shaft, is used to trigger the Hall Effect switch. When the reluctor tooth is aligned with the Hall Effect device, a magnetic field will be completed, and the output signal will be low. When the reluctor tooth moves out of alignment with the Hall Effect device, the field is shunted, and the output signal changes from low to high.

On turbo engines, an Electronic Spark Advance (ESA) system with ECA-controlled timing is used. The ignition module, mounted to the side of the distributor, uses a 5-wire connector. The ECA connects to the ignition module through 2 wires, and the remaining 3 wires connect to the power relay, coil and ground circuit.

ECA transmits spark timing signals to the ignition module. These signals interrupt the ignition coil primary circuit, and high voltage is created in the ignition coil secondary circuit.

The distributor houses the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) and Cylinder Identification (CID) sensor. The CID sensor is a 2-piece sensor. The first sensor detects No. 1 cylinder TDC, and the other sensor detects No. 4 cylinder TDC. The ECA uses these signals to adjust ignition and fuel injection timing.

The CPS monitors the 24 teeth on the distributor rotor. An electrical signal is generated as each rotor tooth passes the CPS. These signals are used by the ECA to determine engine RPM.

The Ignition Diagnostic Monitor (IDM), used on all models, is an output from the ignition module, which provides ignition diagnostic information to the ECA for self-test. If the CID circuit fails, the ignition module will randomly select a firing order each time an engine start-up is attempted. Several attempts may be needed until the proper firing order is selected, allowing the vehicle to be started and driven until repairs can be made. The Limited Operation Strategy (LOS) system attempts to keep the vehicle driveable in spite of the system failures, which prevent ECA from providing spark angle and dwell commands.