Thanks for posting such a great video! This is by far the best instructional video I’ve ever seen UA-cam or anywhere else. Very in depth and informative, very professional, and at just the right speed. I will definitely be looking for more of your videos. You’re an excellent teacher!
This is fantastic, I would love to see more of these tutorials from you on the different aspects of an engine and all other systems in a car. I've shared your videos with all my car fanatics here in Ireland.
This was pretty cool and you just mentioned what they been explaining to us in my automotive mechanics school for the pass 2 weeks in 7 minutes i can wait till we move on to the next thing
so where does the solenoid and starter come into it. I have a 360 amc with a hei ignition....but I also have a solenoid and starter too. I know the starter turns the engine over, and I understand that the hei distributor basically replaces the coil and distributor with points. But what does the solenoid do and how does it work with the battery, starter, and alternator to keep the car running?
Oh its nothing against you personally. I speak out against anyone that I feel is giving miss information. I have been actively in the business my entire adult life. Educated in the field as often as I could and a Master Auto Tech for about 25 years. I have been in position to educate many an up and coming technician throughout my career. Physical disaster struck me and now I can only educate from this computer. Things are a changing though.
One other mention is the Distribution cap o-ring gasket. The video mentions a stumbling or low power issue as a result of water and or moisture in the cap and or the wires/plugs. If you can’t replace the o ring due to size and vintage you can get Permatex RTV sealant and carefully craft your own gasket o ring for you distributor cap just make sure it’s neat with no RTV getting into the points/internals of the cap/rotor.
Your video helped me troubleshoot a fifty year old forklift with no spark . I guess the wire from the key was shorted , when I checked for voltage at the coil during cranking it was only getting 2-3 volts . I ran hot wire from the battery and got spark . thanks !
Why did the original system need a separate distributor to switch the current on and off (since it's coming from DC from the battery), wheras the new one is able to transform the voltage without a separate distributor? What creates the changing current in order to create a magnetic field in the new transformer?
Just finished the video. You misunderstood- or he misspoke- he’s saying misfires are bad for the engine, and that the direct coil control prevents misfires. Which is good
Thank you so much. You are an excellent teacher. If you please can you tell me how many sensors are there in Toyota 1993 car? And what causes a car to hard start?
It looks like a great video, thanks for your explanation about the engine distribution system but if i have in my car the distributor cap only without the breaking points and the condenser where the coil have an i/p of 4 points and the normal secondary o/p>>>>what does that mean and how it works?
Ive got a mystery for you. After sitting aprox 5 hours or more my car takes 6-8 seconds to start. After starting once the car starts normally until it has sit for another 5 hours. Battery is not the issue... and I feel after watching numerous videos (and symptoms) its not air flow. My 2 service mechanics dont seem to want to do anything to do with it and have even “claimed” it didnt happen which is not possible since it happens at least twice daily. Ive even left my car overnights so they are the 1st to turn it on. Im at a point where I literally just want to begin rebuilding everything in the ignition system until the issue ends. I bought the car a few months back and it runs perfect (other than that). I was thinking to begin with a tune up (may have never gotten one) Is this a good place to start?! What would be the top 5 items you think I should fix to resolve? The car turns over repetitively for 6-8 seconds and finally starts. If your wondering 2004 Chrysler Sebring.. thanks
Awesome...learned a lot from this video. I have a 2002 f150. Check engine light is on. Codes mark misfire and oxygen sensors failing. Now may the problem be with the spark plugs and coil or with the catalytic converters? Because I believe it's missing them but I need to confirm that.
Hey thanks for the info. Do you know if I have to put some lubricant on the spark plug boots and the distributor cap contacts? I also need to know how to find out the correct gap for the spark plugs. I have a 1995 6 cylinder Toyota 4runner. Thanks again
In what you said at 0:57 about the switch letting the positive current flow into the ignition system, why is it the positive that flows? Thinking about it from a physics point of view, how could the positively charge protons flow through something when the protons are actually inside the atoms? Wouldn't it make more sense for the negative electrons to flow, since they're on the outside of the atoms? Though I have heard this analogy used before, that the positive current is what flows. I just never understood why.
your correct, current flows from negative to positive. For the layman though that distinction is more or less meaningless. I'm pretty sure that was only figured out after the conventional system was in place, and there wasn't really a good reason to change it.
Hi bro good day nice work i have a problem with a electronic distributor with a built in coil and also has a condenser mounted outside the distributor the plugs get damaged and the wire got mix up it also has an ignitor can you help me on how to connect it thanks
you should make a video more in depth with the old toyota motor. i have that same motor in my AE86 and im having trouble with the ignition system. your video really really helped me. keep doing what your doing bro! your awesome. definitely subscribing!
Nice video, can you please explain what happens when there is no spark at the plugs, where has the system broke down at? points, rotor,and condensor all have been replaced
I have a question please try to answer. In distributer less ignition system do you adjust ignition timing on the engines computer by using a OBD Scan tool!?
My car was acting up for a couple of weeks. I replaced the inition coil and things seem to be working fine. Is there anything else as a precautionary step to do as far as replaceing something else or something done?
i have a problem with a 1989 Isuzu trooper 2.6 motorit seems to be running on 2 cylinders I checked the compression its good, coil is good, spark plugs and wires, distributor, timing, is good I am thinking its the pickup coil after seein this video what are some of the syntons and how do I test the pick up coil - thanks
Chrysler developed the first electronic ignition system circa 1971. They then developed the first computerized (analog) ignition (Electronic Lean Burn) for the 1976 400 V8. In 1980, they digitized the system, renamed Electronic Spark Control, and added the Elecronic Fuel Control (feedback carbs) in 1981. These systems catch a lot of flack, but they actually are quite reliable. 99% of the problems are either with the carb or poor connections/grounds. As Rick Ehrenberg, SAE, says (Mopar Action) - unless you're building a pure race engine, there is no horsepower in ignition. If a Lean Burn car has issues, diagnose it and fix it. A carb kit, wire connector, vacuum hose, or even a reman computer is much cheaper than hacking up the car and replacing the ignition, intake, and carb. Again, zero gain.
What is the advantage of the electronic ignition that still has the distributor points? Is it just more reliable due to not having the breaker any more?
It is computer operated. That is the computer fires the coil which ultimately fires the spark plug that is in need of the spark..Or it diverts the voltage to the spark plug of the cylinder which is at the end of its compression stage at exactly the right moment..which ultimately avoids misfires.
The condenser absorbs (to put it crudely), the back emf that is generated by the sudden collapse of the magnetic field in the primary coil. Thus it saves the spark plug points and the ignition points from pitting, which ultimately increases the life span of the spark plugs and the ignition points.
I've got a 1976 MGB. It has a coil with four wires coming off the top of it along with the cable that connects to the distributor. Two of the four wires enter the bottom of the distributor. What's their purpose?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge Mr Ben. I have a question to ask you, how about the fuel injector system works? is it needs electric current to make it spray out fuel or what?
great once we are on the subject of car electronics can you guys make a vid and explain how and electric car works and why most of them is one speed or 2 speed gearbox... also how does a hydrogen fuel cell cars works and what modification need to be made to a normal engine to run on hydrogen... thank you very much - a fan of the show
Thank you Sir! Question, I have a 1975 Dodge Custom 100 with a 5.2ltr. This last winter it was -10 for about a week and the block froze and of course when it jumped in temp so quickly I shut it down (never got above 210), however something happened to my electrical and I am getting no spark at all. I have replaced the ballast resistor and the volt regulator and coil and plug wires and cap - nothing. I have continuity in all wires and the starter will turn the fly-wheel but still nothing. Do you have any advice? Could it be the neutral-safety switch? Also, is there any danger in hooking the battery directly up to the coil and alternator and giving that a go?
***** Thank you for the reply. I have been using a remote starter switch to test the starter and it is working fine. I am replacing the NSS, and thinking of using a relay and bypassing the ignition all together with push buttons. Any advice on that process? I believe I have all of the wiring diagrams and electronics figured out, I just haven't had the time to do it yet.
What if my coil reads fine, I've got my 12v of power and ground going to it, I connected it to my distributer, but still no spark? I've ensurered my wires have no breaks, my distributer rotor points were clean, and all other connections are clean. Any tips?
Great job ...I have a question: if you put a high voltage diode to the output of the ignition coil it will improve the ignition and the function of the engine?
i have an original 56 chevy. my problem is, my new wire harness does not jive with the light and ignition switches. is there a site i can go to that sows the color and placement of the wires?
Hi, with my ignition on I have a constant 12v coming out of coil to distributor but when I try to start it there is no spark to the plug. What could that be? thanks
I have a question for Ben. I have a 2004 Ford Expedition and there is a clicking noise coming from the rear AC unit. Is this the actuators or do I have a bigger problem?
I think he described it in conventional electrical terms. Even though the battery has electron flow from Negative to Positive, early scientists believed it was the opposite. Even today electronic diagrams show this convention of a positive charge flowing.
I have a 1993 Fleetwood Brougham Cadillac && the lights are really dim . The pass key fault light remains on. We had the key replaced and now we are having this problem. Something continues to click . Any ideas on whats going on ??
In fact, I have a problem with ignition. When I start my car that is corola2010, the sound coming is noisy and seem not to be normal! What to do in this case and is that dangerous for driving?
Videos like this make UA-cam a valuable source of information. Well done sir and best wishes to you.
keep posting more. This helped me understand a lot for my automotive electrical class.
Thanks for posting such a great video! This is by far the best instructional video I’ve ever seen UA-cam or anywhere else. Very in depth and informative, very professional, and at just the right speed. I will definitely be looking for more of your videos. You’re an excellent teacher!
As a automotive tech student studying the ignition system basics this video explained the ignition system better than the book we use.
This is fantastic, I would love to see more of these tutorials from you on the different aspects of an engine and all other systems in a car. I've shared your videos with all my car fanatics here in Ireland.
Thanks very much sr l really enjoyed the lesson. How can I join you when you on.
I learned more on this video then a semester class about cars in my school! Great video and Thanks for uploading it
I don't know Why I got into a $30k debt with UTI when I could've just learned everything from you Ben, on UA-cam...
Nice video! People should watch this since it explains the basic system in vehicle ignition in a manner in which you understand it.
Hey Thanks Man !! I Was Having An Exam On This Ignition System And You Helped Me !!!
By far the most explained video
Pretty good visual to someone learning the information on paper only. ❤ thanks.
This was pretty cool and you just mentioned what they been explaining to us in my automotive mechanics school for the pass 2 weeks in 7 minutes i can wait till we move on to the next thing
I'm restoring an old car, 56'. Thanks for the easy to understand principals.
so where does the solenoid and starter come into it. I have a 360 amc with a hei ignition....but I also have a solenoid and starter too. I know the starter turns the engine over, and I understand that the hei distributor basically replaces the coil and distributor with points. But what does the solenoid do and how does it work with the battery, starter, and alternator to keep the car running?
The best explanation on ignition I have seen yet !!! thank you !!!
Oh its nothing against you personally. I speak out against anyone that I feel is giving miss information. I have been actively in the business my entire adult life. Educated in the field as often as I could and a Master Auto Tech for about 25 years. I have been in position to educate many an up and coming technician throughout my career. Physical disaster struck me and now I can only educate from this computer. Things are a changing though.
Thanks for a great video is it okay if get 11,75v tru my ignition system or must it be 12v
One other mention is the Distribution cap o-ring gasket. The video mentions a stumbling or low power issue as a result of water and or moisture in the cap and or the wires/plugs. If you can’t replace the o ring due to size and vintage you can get Permatex RTV sealant and carefully craft your own gasket o ring for you distributor cap just make sure it’s neat with no RTV getting into the points/internals of the cap/rotor.
The old CB points system was ingeniously marvelous. Kudos to the person who thought it up.
Your video helped me troubleshoot a fifty year old forklift with no spark . I guess the wire from the key was shorted , when I checked for voltage at the coil during cranking it was only getting 2-3 volts . I ran hot wire from the battery and got spark . thanks !
A very interesting and highly informative lecture. thanks
Why did the original system need a separate distributor to switch the current on and off (since it's coming from DC from the battery), wheras the new one is able to transform the voltage without a separate distributor? What creates the changing current in order to create a magnetic field in the new transformer?
Cool video...except I don't get your last statement (7:00)...how can guaranteeing no misfires be bad for the engine and emissions...?
Just finished the video. You misunderstood- or he misspoke- he’s saying misfires are bad for the engine, and that the direct coil control prevents misfires. Which is good
Thank you so much. You are an excellent teacher. If you please can you tell me how many sensors are there in Toyota 1993 car? And what causes a car to hard start?
It looks like a great video, thanks for your explanation about the engine distribution system but if i have in my car the distributor cap only without the breaking points and the condenser where the coil have an i/p of 4 points and the normal secondary o/p>>>>what does that mean and how it works?
Thanks for sharing knowledge sir
Very precise
distributor to camshaft and starter to crankshaft
Correct if wrong pls
Ive got a mystery for you. After sitting aprox 5 hours or more my car takes 6-8 seconds to start. After starting once the car starts normally until it has sit for another 5 hours. Battery is not the issue... and I feel after watching numerous videos (and symptoms) its not air flow. My 2 service mechanics dont seem to want to do anything to do with it and have even “claimed” it didnt happen which is not possible since it happens at least twice daily. Ive even left my car overnights so they are the 1st to turn it on. Im at a point where I literally just want to begin rebuilding everything in the ignition system until the issue ends. I bought the car a few months back and it runs perfect (other than that). I was thinking to begin with a tune up (may have never gotten one) Is this a good place to start?! What would be the top 5 items you think I should fix to resolve? The car turns over repetitively for 6-8 seconds and finally starts. If your wondering 2004 Chrysler Sebring.. thanks
This was a damn good video, thanks!
The tips thing just spooked me a few times.😅
Awesome...learned a lot from this video. I have a 2002 f150. Check engine light is on. Codes mark misfire and oxygen sensors failing. Now may the problem be with the spark plugs and coil or with the catalytic converters? Because I believe it's missing them but I need to confirm that.
Thank you soo much, been looking for a good video to explain how to wire a distributor. (y)
this the best and very simple to understand explanation I saw
Hey thanks for the info. Do you know if I have to put some lubricant on the spark plug boots and the distributor cap contacts? I also need to know how to find out the correct gap for the spark plugs. I have a 1995 6 cylinder Toyota 4runner. Thanks again
great video i have a 1969 vw beetle your video help me a lot.
Thanx man that was good and clear.plz help me understand how did you wire all of that please.from battery to where and where?
In what you said at 0:57 about the switch letting the positive current flow into the ignition system, why is it the positive that flows? Thinking about it from a physics point of view, how could the positively charge protons flow through something when the protons are actually inside the atoms? Wouldn't it make more sense for the negative electrons to flow, since they're on the outside of the atoms? Though I have heard this analogy used before, that the positive current is what flows. I just never understood why.
your correct, current flows from negative to positive. For the layman though that distinction is more or less meaningless. I'm pretty sure that was only figured out after the conventional system was in place, and there wasn't really a good reason to change it.
Hi bro, very simply you made us understand how the ignition system work. suberb. Truly appreciate.
Hi bro good day nice work i have a problem with a electronic distributor with a built in coil and also has a condenser mounted outside the distributor the plugs get damaged and the wire got mix up it also has an ignitor can you help me on how to connect it thanks
Good
thank you, 74 dodge dart. really helped me understand path of current in which I needed help in.
thank you i have a test on this tomorrow it really helped
did u do good on your test?
nice presentation... keep it up!!!! cant wait to see more of your videos.
good explanation with exact components. please keep posting more..
Fantastic but I would like to know on what is the negative Charge of the battery connected to? is it connected to the ignition?
you should make a video more in depth with the old toyota motor. i have that same motor in my AE86 and im having trouble with the ignition system. your video really really helped me. keep doing what your doing bro! your awesome. definitely subscribing!
No no, he should make a video more in depth with the older mopar motor, because that's what I have and I never take anyone else into consideration!
5:51
Yes! I was wondering however if you can show me a points to electronic conversion.(as well as any recommended coils) Thanks!
Nice video, can you please explain what happens when there is no spark at the plugs, where has the system broke down at? points, rotor,and condensor all have been replaced
now that explains ... i did 3 years of mechanic study but never seen of heard about the modern one ... so thats why i asked =D tanks caranddriver !!!
Great job Ben..thanks for helping people.
I have a question please try to answer. In distributer less ignition system do you adjust ignition timing on the engines computer by using a OBD Scan tool!?
Hi Sir, do you know the ignition specification of a Toyota Hilux 2r 1968?
and what are the valve clearance? thanks from the Philippines
Thank you so much sir this is very helpful.
Thank you, very well explained
Greatly helpful video. Thanks
hi , I would like you explain vaccume advance and mechanical advance distributors , thank you.
Absolutly Excellent, way to go....
nice explanation man, ive subscribed! i really enjoy it, thk u!
My car was acting up for a couple of weeks. I replaced the inition coil and things seem to be working fine. Is there anything else as a precautionary step to do as far as replaceing something else or something done?
i have a problem with a 1989 Isuzu trooper 2.6 motorit seems to be running on 2 cylinders I checked the compression its good, coil is good, spark plugs and wires, distributor, timing, is good I am thinking its the pickup coil after seein this video what are some of the syntons and how do I test the pick up coil - thanks
Great video! Which part of the system you showed is referred to as the igniter? If its not in there, what's an igniter? Thanks!
Chrysler developed the first electronic ignition system circa 1971. They then developed the first computerized (analog) ignition (Electronic Lean Burn) for the 1976 400 V8. In 1980, they digitized the system, renamed Electronic Spark Control, and added the Elecronic Fuel Control (feedback carbs) in 1981.
These systems catch a lot of flack, but they actually are quite reliable. 99% of the problems are either with the carb or poor connections/grounds.
As Rick Ehrenberg, SAE, says (Mopar Action) - unless you're building a pure race engine, there is no horsepower in ignition. If a Lean Burn car has issues, diagnose it and fix it. A carb kit, wire connector, vacuum hose, or even a reman computer is much cheaper than hacking up the car and replacing the ignition, intake, and carb.
Again, zero gain.
What is the advantage of the electronic ignition that still has the distributor points? Is it just more reliable due to not having the breaker any more?
It is computer operated. That is the computer fires the coil which ultimately fires the spark plug that is in need of the spark..Or it diverts the voltage to the spark plug of the cylinder which is at the end of its compression stage at exactly the right moment..which ultimately avoids misfires.
It saves time
The current does not build up in the coil. 4:00 It collects in the condenser, which you completely ignored.
excellent video - thanks Ben.
At 4:41, what about the condensor? What is it's purpose?
The condenser absorbs (to put it crudely), the back emf that is generated by the sudden collapse of the magnetic field in the primary coil. Thus it saves the spark plug points and the ignition points from pitting, which ultimately increases the life span of the spark plugs and the ignition points.
Draws out the transcient building up so that the primary coil circuit doesnt arc while the points are still relatively close together.
I've got a 1976 MGB. It has a coil with four wires coming off the top of it along with the cable that connects to the distributor. Two of the four wires enter the bottom of the distributor. What's their purpose?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge Mr Ben. I have a question to ask you, how about the fuel injector system works? is it needs electric current to make it spray out fuel or what?
Ok what about the cars that have a crankshaft sensor and coil pack like a 2003 ford explorer 4.0 v6 please say you have a video for that
Great video! really helped
great once we are on the subject of car electronics can you guys make a vid and explain how and electric car works and why most of them is one speed or 2 speed gearbox... also how does a hydrogen fuel cell cars works and what modification need to be made to a normal engine to run on hydrogen... thank you very much
- a fan of the show
Good teaching. TY this helps me in my course for Engine Performance. Are the Cam sensors also called Hall Effect Switches?
An excellent tutorial - thank you.
the coil is an inductor. transformers only work on AC voltage. other than that you have a good presentation
Thank you Sir! Question, I have a 1975 Dodge Custom 100 with a 5.2ltr. This last winter it was -10 for about a week and the block froze and of course when it jumped in temp so quickly I shut it down (never got above 210), however something happened to my electrical and I am getting no spark at all. I have replaced the ballast resistor and the volt regulator and coil and plug wires and cap - nothing. I have continuity in all wires and the starter will turn the fly-wheel but still nothing. Do you have any advice? Could it be the neutral-safety switch? Also, is there any danger in hooking the battery directly up to the coil and alternator and giving that a go?
***** Thank you for the reply. I have been using a remote starter switch to test the starter and it is working fine. I am replacing the NSS, and thinking of using a relay and bypassing the ignition all together with push buttons. Any advice on that process? I believe I have all of the wiring diagrams and electronics figured out, I just haven't had the time to do it yet.
Excellent learning
very helpful please keep posting more
Hey Ben that engine surely looks familiar is that toyota 20 valve black top by chance
very nice video
What if my coil reads fine, I've got my 12v of power and ground going to it, I connected it to my distributer, but still no spark? I've ensurered my wires have no breaks, my distributer rotor points were clean, and all other connections are clean. Any tips?
Nice explained. Blessings.
Great job ...I have a question: if you put a high voltage diode to the output of the ignition coil it will improve the ignition and the function of the engine?
Interesting but can u pls explain the principle of that cut out well again using another vedio only on cut out
i have an original 56 chevy. my problem is, my new wire harness does not jive with the light and ignition switches. is there a site i can go to that sows the color and placement of the wires?
Antonio Salazar
Antonio Salazar
Hi, with my ignition on I have a constant 12v coming out of coil to distributor but when I try to start it there is no spark to the plug. What could that be? thanks
great technologies we ask for more...
good work man ....
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing :)
good work keep it up
sparkless
I have an old truck that fires up when you let go of the key, not while its cranking, what would cause that a week coil?
Ty! My 69 f100 is giving me a hard time starting. Cranks and cranks then finally turns over
I have a question for Ben. I have a 2004 Ford Expedition and there is a clicking noise coming from the rear AC unit. Is this the actuators or do I have a bigger problem?
I think he described it in conventional electrical terms. Even though the battery has electron flow from Negative to Positive, early scientists believed it was the opposite. Even today electronic diagrams show this convention of a positive charge flowing.
very well explained thank you
From which car is that distribuitor, i have a mercedes w115 200 from 1975, and its has the exact one, even the rotor and vacuum.
TecniCars. m traer
New car distributor work ,ho to work the sanday macanik
How do you get the modern coil pack to fire straight off the battery or does the computer sen a different voltage
would have been good if you covered ignition advance as well
I have a 1993 Fleetwood Brougham Cadillac && the lights are really dim . The pass key fault light remains on. We had the key replaced and now we are having this problem. Something continues to click . Any ideas on whats going on ??
In fact, I have a problem with ignition. When I start my car that is corola2010, the sound coming is noisy and seem not to be normal! What to do in this case and is that dangerous for driving?
Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate it