Ignition System/Physics 101

Welcome to Physics 101, or if you prefer, Chemistry 101. Both names are applicable when talking about the ignition system in your vehicle. For those of you out there who have an aversion to all things Science, then read on to see just how simple a process is involved when you turn the key of your vehicle.

For example, think about the times you have boiled water on the stove. When liquid is super-heated, the molecules become very active and after a point they become a gas. Look at that pot of water as it heats and you will see steam rising; leave it alone long enough and the water will totally evaporate as all liquid is converted to steam. This is all understandable and hopefully we haven’t lost anyone yet with our Physics/Chemistry lesson.

Now consider the engine of your car. If the ignition system in your car is working properly, the fuel is ignited; as the fuel/air mixture in the cylinder burns, the temperature rises and the liquid transforms into a gas state. That pressurized gas is what forces the pistons down and if all is working properly your car or truck will then perform as expected.

If the ignition is not firing properly you will have lessened pressure and thus an underperforming vehicle because the ignition must fire at exactly the right time in the proper sequence with the cylinders. When an ignition system is not working properly you can tell almost immediately. You can feel the difference; your car may be sluggish, unresponsive, or do the little hiccup that most drivers have experienced at one time or another. Those are pretty clear clues that your ignition system needs to be looked at/or replaced.

The good news for all car owners is that replacing the ignition system, especially on older models, does not have to be laborious and aggravating. Most home mechanics can do the job fairly easily so you might want to start dialing your friends to see just how engine-wise they are.

Then our suggestion is to go to the nearest salvage yard and find a used part on the cheap. Unless you are driving some exotic vehicle that only produced a couple hundred in history you should be able to find an ignition system at considerable savings at a salvage yard. A quick list of the ignition components would include the ignition switch, the ignition coil, triggering device, control module, ignition cables, and spark plugs. The function of each of those components will have to wait for another article, but suffice it to say that these are pretty basic parts that can be purchased easily and replaced fairly easily.

Remember, we are talking about basic Physics 101 when talking about the ignition system. Anybody familiar with car mechanics can replace one and a salvage yard makes this task much more affordable.