Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange
Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [ignition]

For questions related to the process and components that generate the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in gasoline engines.

The electrical system that handles the spark component of the ignition process in gasoline engines. Ignition systems are comprised of but not limited to ignition coils, ECU, signal generators, spark plugs and wires, distributor mechanisms, points, condensers and sensors.

Ignition System Diagram

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393 questions
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How does the car's ECU detect a misfire?

I was wondering what the specific mechanism used by car ECU's to detect misfires is, or are if there is more than one method.
Robert S. Barnes
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How exactly does running fuel-lean increase the temperature of ignition?

I learned in this question that running an engine fuel-lean will increase the temperature of ignition, among other things such as causing problems with the catalytic converter. I have no idea how or why. How and why exactly does running fuel lean…
Max Goodridge
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Couldn't start my Volvo due to Key Error. Called assistance and he fixed it by hitting the key with a screwdriver. What could be the error?

My Volvo S40 (06) would not start when I turned the ignition key. I got a message that was somewhat like "Key Error, please try again". I tried with both my keys so it wasn't the key itself. I think I could hear some relay clicking in the on…
FeatureCreep
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What Color Should the Spark Be When Using a Spark Tester?

If I'm using a spark tester with an adjustable gap set to the correct gap for my car's ignition system voltage, what should the spark look like? I ask because I've seen conflicting opinions on this matter. For example, this Brigg's and Stratton…
Robert S. Barnes
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Is there a measurable benefit to replacing spark plug wires?

My 92 Civic has very old spark plug wires, probably original, but their resistance is in-spec (under 20k ohms), they have no external damage, and the vehicle has no misfire or other symptoms associated with bad wires, aside from having worse gas…
R.. GitHub STOP HELPING ICE
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My Ignition Timing is Retarded, no seriously, it's really screwed up

I logged some test data to try and help me figure out why my 98 Mazda 626 GF 2L ATX has a rough idle and is suffering from hesitation. (Speed k/h),(TPS_v),(MAF g/sec),(RPM),(SparkAdvance),(EngineLoad),(ST_FuelTrim) There are a few things standing…
Robert S. Barnes
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What is the most cost-efficient solution when door keys do not fit ignition?

I know similar questions have been asked but I'm specifically looking for the most cost efficient way to solve the following problem. I have a 2006 Lexus RX400h for which the physical door key does not fit the lock cylinder of the door (but it does…
Carnoob
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How to diagnose the cause of no power reaching the spark plugs when power reaches everything else, after checking fuses?

I've been trying to get my long-suffering Toyota RAV4 first generation (1998) to start after numerous different problems, the latest of which I've narrowed to the spark plugs not firing seemingly due to no power reaching the spark plug wires. So, my…
user56reinstatemonica8
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How can I disable my 2002 Ford Explorer so someone with a key can't start it?

A person at my house continually moves my 2002 Ford Explorer from the driveway to the street without permission. The key is shared and must remain easily accessible. Personal issues aside, is there a way we can disable my truck so he can't move it,…
dave
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2007 BMW Z4 won't start when my phone is plugged into the cigarette lighter plug

Sometimes when my cell phone is on charge in my 2007 BMW Z4 before I start it, nothing happens when I turn the key. The car is acting like it, as if I did not have the clutch pushed in - the key turns, but it doesn't even try to crank. It happens…
Luke
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What can I do with an Inline Spark Tester?

Due to my recent problem with weakly firing plugs, I'm looking at inline spark testers. I've seen three basic types: The simple flashing one which goes in between the wire and plug with the plug in place: A slightly more complicated type with the…
Robert S. Barnes
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OBD II power when key not in ignition

I can't get to the OBD connector on my car at the moment. As far as I know the OBD II voltage is active even when the key is in lock. Can anyone confirm this? edit : It's for a product that will be powered from the OBD II connector.
SeanJ
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Acceptable amount of slack in a timing chain with high mileage?

1995 Chevy S-10 Blazer - 4.3 L Vortec V6 (vin W with PCM) - 230,000 miles original owner. FWIW, this model car/engine does not have timing chain inspection and/or changing as part of the routine maintenance schedule like cars with timing belts. …
Sparky
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Key won't turn in Honda Fit after ignition cylinder repair

Malfunctioning locks seem to be common with Hondas that have laser-cut keys. After lots of research and tutorials on repairing the ignition cylinder I was able to remove the cylinder, extract the worn out "wafers", and lo and behold, the key would…
Sea Citadel
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What Could Cause Flash Over / Arcing to Reappear on New Plugs?

I had been having some hesitation problems on my 98 Mazda 626 which after a great deal of research seemed to be solved by replacing the plugs: As you can see, there seems to be signs of flash over / arcing on the number one cylinder spark…
Robert S. Barnes
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