Ignition System Components

Changing technology has made major advancements in many parts of the ignition system. Over time some components were eliminated, others were added, while others stayed pretty much the same. The three ignition system generations that will be described later in this chapter are: Conventional Ignition (CI), Distributor Ignition (DI), and Electronic Ignition (EI). The following are common ignition system components:

• Battery
• Distributor Cap and Rotor
• Ignition Coil/ Coil Packs/Coil- On-Plug (COP)
• Spark Plug Wires
• Spark Plugs
• Ignition Module
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
• Crankshaft and Camshaft Sensors
• Knock Sensor