Diesel Data: Automotive Repair

Ignition Coil: Description and Operation

PURPOSE
Increases battery voltage to a level necessary to ignite the combustion mixture.

OPERATION and CONSTRUCTION
The ignition coil is a small molded type. The ignition signal from the Engine Control Module (ECM) is sent to the power transistor. The power transistor switches on and off the ignition coil primary circuit. As the primary circuit is turned on and off, the proper high voltage is inducted in the coil secondary circuit.