Trade of Motor Mechanic - eCollege

Module 4 - Unit 1 Basic Ignition Systems
Introduction
Trade of Motor Mechanic - Phase 2 Course Notes
There are 2 Units in this Module. Unit 1 focuses on Basic Ignition
Systems and Unit 2 covers Transducers.
Module 4 of this course covers the Ignition and Transducers aspect
of automotive technology. This is the first unit in module 4 and
introduces the fundamental principles associated with the Basic
Ignition System.
The ignition system of an internal-combustion engine is an important
part of the overall engine system. It provides for the timely burning
of the fuel mixture within the engine. Not all engine types need an
ignition system - for example, a diesel engine relies on compressionignition,
that is, the rise in temperature that accompanies the
rise in pressure within the cylinder is sufficient to ignite the fuel
spontaneously. All conventional petrol engines, by contrast, require
an ignition system. These components and the related Health and
safety issues are covered in-depth within this unit.
Unit Objective
By the end of this unit each apprentice will be able to:
•
•
•
•
Describe the basic function of the ignition system
Describe the basic operation of a contact breaker switched
ignition system
Describe the basic purpose of ignition timing point setting/
advance with regard to engine speed and load.
Describe the basic purpose of ignition timing point setting/
advance with regard to engine speed and load
1
Module 4
Ignition &
Transducers
Unit 1 Unit 2
Basic Ignition
Systems
Transducers
Revision 2.0 July 2007