The distributor ignition (DI) system is responsible for producing and controlling a high energy secondary spark. This spark is used to ignite the compressed air/fuel mixture at precisely the correct time. This provides optimal performance, fuel economy, and control of exhaust emissions. This ignition system consists of a single ignition coil and ignition control module (ICM). Spark energy is delivered via a distributor cap, rotor, and secondary spark plug wires. The driver module within the ICM is commanded to operate the coil by the powertrain control module (PCM), that has complete control over spark timing. The DI system consists of the following components:

The CKP sensor is a three wire sensor based on the magneto resistive principle. A magneto resistive sensor uses two magnetic pickups between a permanent magnet. As an element such as a reluctor wheel passes the magnets the resulting change in the magnetic field is used by the sensor electronics to produce a digital output pulse. The PCM supplies a 12-volt, low reference, and signal circuit to the CKP sensor. The sensor returns a digital ON/OFF pulse 3 times per crankshaft revolution for the V6 engine, 4 times for the V8 engine. The CKP sensor reads the crankshaft mounted reluctor wheel to identify pairs of cylinders at top dead center (TDC).

The CMP sensor is a hall-effect sensor located in the ignition distributor base, and uses the same type of circuits as the CKP sensor. The CMP sensor signal is a digital ON/OFF pulse, output once per revolution of the camshaft. The CMP sensor information is used by the PCM to determine the position of the valve train relative to the CKP.

The ICM is connected to the PCM by an ignition control (IC) circuit. The ICM also has a ground circuit and shares an ignition 1 voltage supply with the ignition coil. The coil driver in the ICM controls current through the ignition coil based on signal pulses from the PCM. There is no back-up or by-pass function in the ICM.

The distributor is only used as a means to operate the CMP sensor and to distribute spark in the correct sequence. Since the distributor has no influence on base timing the distributor is not adjustable on V6 engines. The distributor position can be adjusted on V8 engines because the chance of crossfire between terminals is greater due to the proximity of the terminals. The spark is distributed through conventional carbon core wires to the spark plugs. The plugs are tipped with platinum for long wear and higher efficiency.

The PCM controls all ignition system functions, and constantly corrects the basic spark timing. The PCM monitors information from various sensor inputs that include the following:

There is one normal mode of operation, with the spark under PCM control. If the CKP pulses are lost the engine will not run. The loss of a CMP signal may result in a longer crank time since the PCM cannot determine which stroke the pistons are on. Diagnostic trouble codes are available to accurately diagnose the ignition system with a scan tool.