Electronic Ignition System

Vehicles use a distributorless ignition system that uses a crank angle sensor and 2 coil with ignitor assemblies. The coil with ignitor assemblies, leading and trailing, provides high voltage for spark operation. Crank angle sensor detects eccentric shaft angle and front rotor position and sends signal to Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

Mazda rotary engines use an ignition system having 2 spark plugs in each rotor housing. These spark plugs fire at different times during the ignition cycle. First spark plugs to fire are the leading set and second spark plugs are the trailing set. Leading set spark plugs fire at about 5 degrees ATDC (depending on ignition advance) to begin combustion. Trailing set spark plugs fire about 15 degrees later to complete combustion.