boy are you thinking wrong. when one describes a timing issue it is known and meant to be that the timing is out of adjustment from expected parameters not randomly not firing as it should be. random no fires is different from a timing in degrees wondering from its expected position under any given operating condition of sensor data and so forth.
Ignition Control (IC) The
VCM software controls all of the IC and Bypass functions. This reduces the number of circuits outside of the controller and ultimately reduces the possibility for shorts or opens in those circuits that could result in driveability complaints or DTCs.
The ignition system initiates combustion by providing a spark to ignite the compressed air and fuel mixture at the correct time. In order to provide an improved engine performance, fuel economy, and control of exhaust emissions, the
Control Module controls the
distributor spark advance (timing) with the Ignition Control
(IC) system.
The ignition system uses a primary and secondary sub system in order to accomplish the timed spark distribution. The primary system consists of a low voltage trigger device which determines the base timing. This signal is modified by the Ignition Control Driver
(ICD) Module. The signal travels to either or both the engine and transmission processor (
Control Module) for base timing reference. Another signal is sent back to the Ignition Control Driver (ICD) Module, which has been adjusted by the Control Module (advanced or retarded) in order to trigger the coil, according to the requirements of the engine.
The secondary system consists of the
ignition coil which has primary (low voltage) windings and secondary (high voltage) windings. The secondary side of the ignition coil generates a high voltage which high tension spark plug wires deliver to the
spark plugs.
The
Control Module controller now controls the Ignition Control (IC) and Bypass functions.
In order to properly control the ignition/combustion timing, the
Control Module needs to know the following things:
- The crankshaft position
- The engine speed (RPM)
- The engine load (manifold pressure or vacuum)
- The atmospheric (barometric) pressure
- The engine coolant temperature
- The camshaft position sensor.