E - THEORY/OPERATION
ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM
The electronic ignition system consists of ECM, power output
stage, ignition coil, distributor, mass airflow sensor, throttle valve
potentiometer, engine coolant temperature sensor, and Hall Effect
sensor.
Ignition system uses engine speed, engine load, and throttle
valve potentiometer signals to calculate ignition timing. Engine
coolant temperature signal is used to correct ignition timing when
engine is cold and to activate knock sensor circuit. See KNOCK
SENSOR(S) under IGNITION TIMING CONTROL in this article.
Hall Effect Sensor
On Corrado SLC, this sensor is mounted on end of camshaft
(near ignition coil). Sensor consists of a magnetic enclosure and
integrated semi-conductor circuit. A voltage signal is generated when
trigger wheel, turning at camshaft speed, interrupts magnetic field
created by the semi-conductor. Hall Effect sensor and engine
speed/reference signals are used to identify TDC position of cylinder
No. 1 for sequential fuel injection and spark knock regulation.
DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION SYSTEM (DIS)
Hall Effect Sensor
See HALL EFFECT SENSOR under ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM in
this article.
Ignition Coil & Output Stage
The distributorless (direct) ignition system consists of ECM,
power output stage, 3 double-ended ignition coils and secondary
ignition wires. The ECM operates each ignition coil through the power
output stage. The power output stage and heat sink are located behind
ignition coils. The ignition coils are located on left side of
cylinder head. When the power output stage fires an ignition coil, a
spark is supplied to 2 spark plugs at one time. One spark plug fires
during the compression stroke, and the other spark plug fires during
the exhaust stroke (waste spark).
IGNITION TIMING CONTROL
Knock Sensor(s)
The knock sensor(s) work(s) like a microphone to "listen" for
spark knock (detonation). When detonation occurs, ignition timing is
retarded until the knock is eliminated.
On Corrado SLC, 2 knock sensors are mounted on side of engine
block. Knock sensor I monitors cylinders No. 1, 3 and 5. Knock sensor
II monitors cylinders No. 2, 4 and 6.