Electronic Ignition (EI) System Description. Pontiac Firefly (Canada) 1999

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1999 🢒 Firefly (Canada) 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 1.3L 🢒 Electronic Ignition (EI) System Description


(1)	Ignition Switch
(2)	No. 1 Ignition Coil
(3)	No. 2 Ignition Coil
(4)	No. 4 Spark Plug
(5)	No. 3 Spark Plug
(6)	No. 2 Spark Plug
(7)	No. 1 Spark Plug
(8)	CMP Sensor
(9)	CKP Sensor
(10)	PCM
(11)	Main Relay

The electronic ignition system used on the 1.3L engine is controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM).

The electronic ignition system components cannot be disassembled or repaired. A component that is correctly diagnosed as faulty must be replaced as a complete unit.

Ignition Coil Assembly


(1)	Ignition Module (Igniter)
(2)	Ignition Coil Assembly
(3)	Core
(4)	Primary Coil Winding
(5)	Secondary Coil Winding
(6)	High Voltage (spark plug wire) Terminal

The ignition coils have a pair high voltage output terminals that provide spark to two engine cylinders (spark plugs) at the same time. The #1 ignition coil supplies voltage to the spark plugs in engine cylinders 1 and 4. The #2 ignition coil supplies voltage to the spark plugs in engine cylinders 2 and 3. Each ignition coil assembly has a built-in ignition module (igniter) that controls the current flow in the primary coil winding. The secondary coil voltage travels simultaneously from both coil output terminals to the spark plugs.

Operation

The PCM uses reference pulses from the CKP sensor in order to determine engine speed. The PCM cannot operate the ignition system -- or the fuel injectors -- without the engine speed signal from the CKP.

The ignition coils supply spark to two engine cylinders (spark plugs) at the same time. When the PCM signals the ignition module to interrupt the current flow in the primary coil windings, the electrical field around the primary coil collapses and a high voltage is induced in the secondary coil. The secondary coil voltage travels simultaneously from both coil output terminals, to the spark plugs, and across each spark plug's gap to the engine block.

The CMP sensor signal is used by the PCM for engine misfire detection. The PCM also uses the CMP sensor signal as an input for control of the fuel injectors and ignition timing.

The PCM controls ignition timing by controlling the ignition coils. The PCM receives information on engine status from various engine sensors and then selects the most appropriate ignition timing settings from within the PCM's programming. The following are the most important inputs for determining ignition timing requirements:

•	Engine speed

•	Throttle position

•	Manifold pressure

•	Engine coolant temperature

Noteworthy Ignition Information

Consider the following important information when servicing the ignition system:

•	The ignition coil's secondary output voltage is very high -- more than 40,000 volts. Avoid body contact with the ignition high voltage secondary components when the engine is running or personal injury may result.

•	The ignition timing is not adjustable. A timing indicator and timing marks are still visible at the crankshaft pulley but are not used to set or adjust ignition timing. The powertrain control module provides all ignition timing adjustments electronically.

•

Be careful not to damage the secondary ignition wires or boots when servicing the ignition system. Rotate each ignition wire boot in order to loosen the boot from the spark plug or the ignition coil tower before removing the wire. Never pierce a secondary ignition wire or boot for any testing purposes. Future ignition system problems are guaranteed if pinpoints or test lights are pushed through the secondary ignition wire insulation during component testing.

•	Do not use a conventional tachometer in order to check engine speed on this ignition system. An inductive type pick-up will not provide reliable engine speed information. Use a scan tool in order to monitor engine RPM.