What is the car electronic ignition pickup?
In an electronic distributor ignition system, the car engine ignition pickup is an important component. The ignition pickup acts as a trigger for the ignition system to produce a spark via your spark plugs in your engine’s cylinders. Common types of ignition system trigger system pick ups include, optical, hall effect and reluctance type ignition pick up systems. The ignition pickup monitors rotating components in the engines distributor in order to trigger the ignition spark at the right time. This accuracy of the ignition timing improves engine performance and allows the fuel to burn under optimum conditions.
The ignition pickup sends signals that control your entire ignition system. For this reason, it is one of the most important parts of an electronic distributor ignition system. If the pickup fails, you may experience problems that can prevent your car from starting or running properly.
How does it work?
The electronic ignition pickup is typically located inside the distributor, and it consists of a small coil of wire that produces a voltage signal when a magnetic field passes over it. As the distributor rotor spins, it passes over the pickup coil, which produces a voltage signal that is transmitted to the onboard computer.
The onboard computer uses this signal to determine the position of the distributor rotor, and it then sends a signal to the ignition coil to generate a spark at the appropriate time, which ignites the fuel mixture in the engine cylinders.
Why is my electronic ignition pickup not working?
There are several reasons why the electronic ignition pickup in a car ignition system may not be working. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Electrical problems: The electronic ignition pickup relies on a proper electrical connection to work correctly. Loose or corroded wiring or connections can cause the pickup to malfunction.
- Worn or damaged pickup coil: Over time, the pickup coil in the electronic ignition pickup can wear out or become damaged, leading to a loss of signal or an inaccurate signal being sent to the engine control module.
- Failed distributor rotor: If the distributor rotor is damaged or worn out, it may not be able to properly pass over the electronic ignition pickup coil, causing a loss of signal.
- Failed engine control module: In rare cases, a faulty engine control module can cause the electronic ignition pickup to malfunction, as it may not be able to properly interpret the signal being sent by the pickup.
Symptoms of a faulty electronic ignition pickup:
- Stalling engine – A failing ignition pickup may provide an inconsistent signal to the rest of your ignition system. This can cause your car to stall while you are driving.
- Car not starting – When the ignition pickup is not working, the car will not start. This is because the ignition pickup is not providing the necessary signal for your car’s ignition system to operate at all and therefore no ignition system spark is generated.
- Engine misfiring – One of the most common symptoms of a faulty electronic ignition pickup is engine misfires. This occurs when the timing of the spark is off, resulting in incomplete combustion and a lack of power.
- Reduction in engine performance – An inconsistent signal from the ignition pickup can affect the performance of your car’s engine. This happens when the spark plugs are not igniting the air/fuel mixture in your engine correctly.
- Reduced fuel economy – A faulty electronic ignition pickup can also result in poor fuel economy, as the engine may not be running efficiently.
A reduction in engine performance will often result in:
- Your car struggling to accelerate or switch to higher gears.
- Increased misfiring due to unburnt fuel leaving your engine.
New Car Ignition Pickup Installation & Replacement in Hamilton
Is your car in need of a new ignition pickup or ignition system pickup diagnostics? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, we can diagnose, repair and replace your car’s ignition pickup. This will allow your ignition system to spark the air/fuel mixture in your engine correctly and prevent problems such as your car stalling, misfiring or not starting.
For ignition pickup replacement or diagnostics in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!