What is the difference between points and electronic ignition?

The different types of ignition systems

This is an older style of ignition system that uses points, a distributor, and an external coil. In an electronic system, you still have a distributor, but the points have been replaced with a pickup coil, and there's an electronic ignition control module.

People also ask, what is the major difference between electronic and contact point ignition systems?

ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM The primary circuit in a contact point ignition system is open and closed by contact points. In the electronic system, the primary circuit is open and closed by the electronic control unit (ECU). The secondary circuits are practically the same for the two systems.

Subsequently, question is, what are the advantages of an electronic ignition system? Advantages of Electronic Ignition System: It has fewer moving parts. Low maintenance required. Less emission generates. Efficiency is good.

One may also ask, what is an electronic ignition system?

Electronic ignition system is the type of ignition system that uses electronic circuit,usually by transistors controlled by sensors to generate electric pulses which in turn generate better spark that can even burn the lean mixture and provide better economy and lower emission.

Does electronic ignition have a condenser?

The condenser is used to prevent premature point wear, but even with the best condenser, points require frequent maintenance. Sometime in the 70's, standard ignition systems started being replaced by "electronic" ignition systems. Instead, the primary circuit signal is distributed to a series of ignition coils.

34 Related Question Answers Found

Do you need vacuum advance with electronic ignition?

Check to see if vacuum increases dramatically when you rev the motor well past idle. And no, your electronic ignition does not eliminate the crucial need for vacuum distributor advance.

How do you test an ignition condenser?

How to Test a Condenser in a Small Engine

Remove the condenser from the engine.
Switch the volt ohmmeter to the ohms position.
Touch the red lead to the hot connector on the condenser.
Remove the leads and reverse the placement to the condenser.
Movement from the meter's needle indicates the condenser is good.

How do I know if my ignition module is bad?

There are several signs that indicate an ignition module is bad.

Acceleration Issues. The vehicle may shake, vibrate or jerk when the gas pedal is pressed.
Temperature Problems. A faulty ignition module can cause a vehicle to overheat.
No Power. The engine may turn over without starting.

What does the ignition module do?

The ignition module of your vehicle is the heart of your entire ignition system. Its two main roles are to create a spark strong enough to ignite the air/fuel mixture for combustion and to control the timing of the spark plugs by opening and closing the ignition coil ground circuit.

How do you check ignition points?

Test for continuity between the block and the negative coil terminal to confirm this theory. Test for continuity between the block and the stationary point attached to the distributor plate. Rotate the engine until the points are closed. Use the multi-meter to test for a good connection between the points.

Does electronic ignition have spark plugs?

In an electronic system, you still have a distributor, but the points have been replaced with a pickup coil, and there's an electronic ignition control module. In this system, coils sit directly on top of the spark plugs (there are no spark plug wires), and the system is completely electronic.

How many types of ignition systems are there?

three

What does a condenser do in an electronic ignition system?

Basically the function of a condenser in a coil ignition circuit is to reduce the spark at the contact points as they open in the distributor and thus minimise burning and pitting of the points. Arcing is caused by the effect of self induction in the coil as the points interrupt the flow of current.

How does a distributorless ignition system work?

Distributorless Ignition System

The spark plugs are fired directly from the coils. Spark plug timing is controlled by an ignition module and the engine computer. The distributorless ignition system may have one coil per cylinder or one coil for each pair of cylinders. No timing adjustments.

Are distributors still used in cars?

Many modern cars have no distributor at all. The ignition is triggered by toothed timing wheels spinning with the crankshaft, which is much more accurate than points. Then there are individual coils for each cylinder, fired by the engine management computer. But there is still no distributor.

How long do distributor points last?

In many cases, you can clean them up and use them for a few thousand more miles. With one or two cleanings, a good set of points should last at least 5,000 miles, and possibly as many as 8,000.

What are contact points made of?

The surfaces where contacts touch are usually composed of metals such as silver or gold alloys that have high electrical conductivity, wear resistance, oxidation resistance and other properties.

What are the requirements of ignition system?

The duration of the spark must be long enough with sufficient energy to ensure that ignition of the mixture has a high chance of occurring. The system must distribute this high voltage to each of the spark plugs at the exact time in every cycle, i.e., it must have in it a distributing device.

How does an electronic ignition module work?

How does an Ignition Module Work? Ignition modules are solid state switching devices that typically use a component like a transistor to switch the current flow through the primary winding of an ignition coil on and off. Electronic ignition systems typically use a transistorized switching mechanism.

Does CDI ignition need battery?

CDI ignition: Due to its ability to start a motorcycle without a battery most of the dirt bikes uses this ignition. A dirt bike has no lights or horn whatsoever so it does not require a battery to power these electricals.

What are the four different types of ignition?

Currently, we recognize four types of ignition systems used in most cars and trucks: conventional breaker-point ignitions, high energy (electronic) ignitions, distributor-less (waste spark) ignition and coil-on-plug ignitions.

How does the ignition system work?

The purpose of the ignition system is to generate a very high volt age from the car's 12 volt battery , and to send this to each sparkplug in turn, igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine 's combustion chambers . The coil is the component that produces this high voltage.