What are the Main Causes for Ignition Module Problems?
The ignition module is a vital component that is responsible for turning on the primary current produced by the ignition coil. This module consists of sensitive electronic components placed inside a sealed plastic housing of the control module. An electric current is passed into the control module to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. This triggers the ignition to start the automobile.
Working of an ignition module
The module receives its signals from a crankshaft sensor. These signals are converted to a digital format and are fed to the main engine control. The main engine control module determines the engine timing for firing generates a firing sequence and returns it back to the ignition module. Now the module ignites the firing of the primary coil by inducing a high voltage in secondary winding to fire up the spark plug.
But like any machine, the ignition module is also susceptible to wear and tear and regular care and maintenance is needed to avoid problems. Ignition problems are accountable for hampering the performance of your engine. Sudden stalling of your car engine when you are speeding up or failure to start the engine after repeated attempts are some of the major indications of problems.
Some of the causes that lead to problems in the ignition module are listed below:
MAP implies Manifold Absolute Pressure. These sensors of an engine, intake vacuum, which are used for determining engine load. Faulty sensors can lead to incorrect fuel supply, thereby giving an incorrect engine load.
Faulty air temperature sensor
Defective air temperature sensors can upset the air-fuel mixture by recording the wrong temperatures of the air entering the engine.
This is caused when idle air bypass circuit of the engine is clogged with dirt, thereby stalling the entry of fresh air.
When the airflow sensor wire of your engine is plugged with dirt, this can lead to a problem.
A defect in coolant sensors can lead to incorrect readings of engine temperature, thereby screwing up the fuel mixture.
These are one of the major causes of engine stalling, as they do not fire at the appropriate time to start the engine.
If the fuel is adulterated with more than 10% alcohol, then the air-fuel mixture will not be strong enough for the ignition to take place.
Low engine compression is caused because of the worn out piston rings and cylinders of the engine and leaky valves.
How to troubleshoot this problem?
Troubleshooting is the very next task to be carried out after the identification of the problem. So, to troubleshoot this rapid process, follow the steps below:
First, locate the ignition control and turn the ignition key on. Pierce a wire into the ignition control without affecting the voltage regulator's red lead. Then, attach the other end of the wire to ground. A reading of 100 MV will be displayed on your voltmeter if the crankshaft sensor is in working condition. If no reading is displayed, disconnect the crankshaft sensor and retest again for 12 Volts. With this, it is confirmed that the sensor is not working and needs immediate repair or replacement.
Check for battery voltage
Check the control module engine battery with a terminal to record voltage. If there is no voltage, then there is a strong possibility of a fuse or a bad wire.
If the control module engine battery is working fine, check for the functionality of the primary coil of the control module engine. Turn off the ignition key and remove the coil. Then check the resistance units of the coil using the voltmeter and also check the positive and negative terminals of the coil. The ideal resistance value should be 0.02 - 0.075 ohm. Any value greater than this range implies the coil is bad and needs to be replaced.
Most of the ignition problems are easily avoidable. Cleaning the airflow sensor wire off the dirt and fuel varnish with aerosol electronics cleaner is an effective method to normalize the operation of an ignition. Using unadulterated fuel and regular fuel tank cleaning will aid in the proper functioning of the ignition.