Circuit Operation

With the starter switch in ON or START, battery voltage is applied to the Engine (M/T) or Powertrain (A/T) Control Module (ECM) or (PCM), various engine sensors, and the Ignition Control Module (ICM)/(2.2L) or ignition coils and ION Sensing Module (3.2L). When the engine is cranked to start, the crank shaft position (CKP) sensor sends timing information directly to the ECM/PCM, which breaks the ground path in the primary of the ignition coils, thus creating a high voltage secondary impulse which fires the spark plugs, and the engine starts. The ECM/PCM receives information such as firing order and starting timing at each ignition coil from the CKP sensor. The ECM/PCM relies on information from various engine sensors to determine correct ignition timing.

(The 2.2L utilizes the "waste spark" system, that fires two spark plugs simultaneously, with the highest voltage intensity in the cylinder under compression.)