Ignition System :

Regular maintenance of your vehicle's fuel ignition system is the key to reliability, fuel efficiency, and effective engine performance. From fixing a fuel system problem when it occurs, to helping you prevent one from happening in the future.

The tune-up was historically associated with the routine replacement of key ignition system parts like spark plugs and ignition points, along with some basic adjustments to help "tune" the engine. Mounting pressure for increased fuel economy and lower emissions drove the car manufacturers to adopt electronics and to do away with ignition points in the '70s, along with the carburetor in the middle '80s. This eliminated the need for the replacement and adjustment of a growing number of ignition and fuel system parts.

As the pace of technology quickened, the procedures required to perform a traditional tune-up changed dramatically. Highly sophisticated ignition and fuel systems are now the norm, using one or more onboard computers to control critical engine and transmission management functions. Things that were once handled mechanically are now controlled electronically through the widespread use of onboard computer technology.

There are two parts to an ignition system. The first one is called the primary side and the second is the secondary side. The primary side consists of the distributor and the electronic control module and the secondary consists of spark plugs and wires , an ignition coil, rotor and in some systems the distributor. The ignition system relies on the vehicles  battery to provide a spark which sets the ignition system in motion and starts the vehicle.

• Ignition Key : The key is the first and most familiar part of an ignition system. When the key is turned it releases low voltage electricity from the primary circuit of the ignition system. This electricity then goes to the ignition coil.
• Ignition system coil : this part of the ignition system is an electromagnet as well as an inductor that transforms high voltages from the vehicles battery. The coil is connected to the distributor.
• Spark Plugs : The spark plugs and spark wires force electricity to the engine creating a voltage of between 40,000 and 100,000 volts. Although they are simple and fairly small parts of an ignition system, when the spark plugs or wires get worn out, the vehicle will not run. This is why good vehicle care involves getting a regular tune-up.
• Distributor : The distributor in an ignition system itself has two parts; the rotor and the distributor cap. Like the name implies, this part distributes electricity from the coil to the spark plugs and wires and the cylinders of the vehicle’s engine. The number of cylinders depends upon the vehicle but is commonly either four or five cylinders. Like spark plugs and wires the distributor cap and rotor become worn out and need to be replaced periodically.

  Many newer vehicles have ignition systems that do not have a distributor which are appropriately called a distributor-less ignition system. The work of the distributor is done directly through the use of modified spark plugs. This type of ignition system also does not contain spark plug wires. These vehicles are more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient as well as reducing the need for frequent tune-ups.