Ignition systems Explained. How ignition systems work

Please Note: There is one error regarding the labelling of my diagram: I have shown both windings in the coil labelled by accident as secondary windings as I drew it quite quickly. The one winding with one hundred winds is the primary winding. Sorry for any confusion.

This video explains how ignition systems operate. It explores the operation of the ignition coil, the breaker points for older engines, and electronic ignition types such as High-energy ignition, Distributorless ignition, and Coil over plug ignition.

Parts discussed include:
Ignition coil, breaker points, condenser, spark plugs, spark plug wires, ignition module, crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor etc.

The video discusses both the operation and how to inspect an ignition system.

This video was designed to assist high school mechanics students learn how the various ignition systems work. This should additionally prove helpful to anyone who wishes to learn a bit more about their car's ignition system and its parts.

[UOttawaScotty]

This is the best video I have seen so far on ignition systems. I am working on a lawnmower with a magneto ignition system and I couldnt understand how the "pickup coil" worked, but now I understand that it is essentially just an electronic switch for grounding out the primary coil so that the field collapses on the secondary. This has been bugging me for days.

[alexromashko]

Probably the best video on ignition systems that I’ve seen as a novice. I finally have a feel for what is happening with these systems. Nice work

[antonsparks]

Really enjoyed this video. For me the explanation of how the igniter module worked was priceless.

[edwardgonfindini]

Perfect production, no cheesy garage band guitars. Great cadence and visibility.

[Bucksbeaters]

I have 78 accord, spark through the coil to the distributer but not to the spark plugs. This video gave me more confidence and understand what happens in the distributer. Thank you! 👍

[bdixon]

A big thanks from a student from London who is currently studying marine engineering! Great video. Explained perfectly.

[mickgrochowski]

Am restoring a 1961 MGA and at the point of reassembling the engine. I was always unsure of the exact role of the points vs coil. This vid explains exactly how it works. The only difference is the MGA is positive ground so i believe it's gonna be + from coil to the distributor. Thank you much.

[chacholiades]

Thank you for such a great video!!! I am trying to understand how does it work my BMW with 6 cylinders and carburetor, using those ignition modules. You are by far the best person here explaining it. I am young and I bought this small car as a project last year so I can finally work in a simple and cheap car I can put my novice hands on. After days reading and watching videos, you were the only guy with a clear and straight explanation.

Thanks a lot for that.

Pertronix Ignitor. I converted 1964 1965 GTO’s to these. Work great.

[willydejesus]

Wao..Siemers..you are a monster, explaining the ignition system with such impressive ilustration I've never had seen .all my doubts and missing links I had were cleared by your wonderful presentation.. Wm V...from P. R.

[mostefaikhemissi]

Thanks a lot . I understood how it functions by your circuit drawing.

[gioni]

Very clearly explained taking me back to my first car how when it broke down it was simple to fix.

[jamesark]

Thank You Sir, , , Good and complet info, , , thump Up! This is what I am looking for, , , a deep details explanation theory, , ,

[mareh_]

how does the engine speed transition to the rpm gauge in both the breaker point and pick up coil distributor cars?

[luishetzler]

Question, does the points on my 1967 firebird act as a starting point on 1st key turn. Hot day engine crank over a few times. Instead on 1st turn. Is this correct, installing a prentronix removing point/ condenser

[halalmeatshophk]

Thank you sir but i have an important question. What is breaker point's main function? I understand that electric current can be induced into the secondary coil without breaking the current flow in primary coil. The high voltage will come out of secondary coil and the only thing needed to distribute it into separate spark plugs is by timely rotating it.
So why is a breaker point needed for the primary coil? I just couldn't understand it.

[carneconcarne]

Many thanks for the video. It helped me so much, since the ignition on my 74 duster isn't working. What is the ballast resistor for, why doesn't it work with 12V?

[dudoydwex]

thank you much sir its very informative

[CoreySchmidt-sq]

Id really like to know about a 1993 F250 460 EFI

[honzahanes]

Hi buddy, thanx for the nice video. You probably noticed that your blue sign of the primary coil is wrongly written as the secondary coil, but that's OK for me. For others, it could be a bit confusing. Anyway, I still have a question. I can't see on your drawing where the other end of the secondary coil is connected.