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Questions tagged [ignition]

For questions related to the process and components that generate the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in gasoline engines.

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15 votes
12 answers
122k views

Couldn't start my Volvo due to Key Error. Called assistance and he fixed it by hitting the key with a screwdriver. What could be the error?

My Volvo S40 (06) would not start when I turned the ignition key. I got a message that was somewhat like "Key Error, please try again". I tried with both my keys so it wasn't the key itself. I think I ...
FeatureCreep's user avatar
14 votes
5 answers
65k views

What Color Should the Spark Be When Using a Spark Tester?

If I'm using a spark tester with an adjustable gap set to the correct gap for my car's ignition system voltage, what should the spark look like? I ask because I've seen conflicting opinions on this ...
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
11 votes
2 answers
26k views

My Ignition Timing is Retarded, no seriously, it's really screwed up

I logged some test data to try and help me figure out why my 98 Mazda 626 GF 2L ATX has a rough idle and is suffering from hesitation. (Speed k/h),(TPS_v),(MAF g/sec),(RPM),(SparkAdvance),(EngineLoad)...
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
21 votes
4 answers
25k views

How does the car's ECU detect a misfire?

I was wondering what the specific mechanism used by car ECU's to detect misfires is, or are if there is more than one method.
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
15k views

Acceptable amount of slack in a timing chain with high mileage?

1995 Chevy S-10 Blazer - 4.3 L Vortec V6 (vin W with PCM) - 230,000 miles original owner. FWIW, this model car/engine does not have timing chain inspection and/or changing as part of the routine ...
Sparky's user avatar
  • 476
8 votes
2 answers
5k views

What Could Cause Flash Over / Arcing to Reappear on New Plugs?

I had been having some hesitation problems on my 98 Mazda 626 which after a great deal of research seemed to be solved by replacing the plugs: As you can see, there seems to be signs of flash over / ...
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
9k views

How to check if spark plugs are firing? Coil-on plugs

While trying to diagnose a tricky car not starting problem I was asked to check if the spark plugs were firing at all. I've found plenty of resources on inspecting the condition of spark plugs after ...
user56reinstatemonica8's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
10k views

2004 GMC Yukon Denali, intermittent no crank/no start/no noise

OK, it started doing this a few months back with no rhyme or reason. Before this happened, sometimes would start beeping after engine start. A long 18 beep procession. Don't know if related. When ...
M. Obstbaum's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
95k views

OBD II power when key not in ignition

I can't get to the OBD connector on my car at the moment. As far as I know the OBD II voltage is active even when the key is in lock. Can anyone confirm this? edit : It's for a product that will be ...
SeanJ's user avatar
  • 543
6 votes
4 answers
4k views

Emissions Problem: Lambda AND CO Slightly High on my 98 Mazda 626

I just took my 98 Mazda 626 for it's inspection and they said the carbon monoxide is slightly high. The test is done using a tail pipe gas analyzer while holding the RPMs between 2500 - 2800 for ...
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
12k views

Diesel engine timing?

A petrol engine can fire the spark plugs slightly earlier or later to account for factors like revolution speed and engine temperature. However a diesel only fires when the mixture is compressed. ...
Criggie's user avatar
  • 3,048
5 votes
2 answers
17k views

What is an acceptable amount of up/down play in a distributor shaft?

1995 Chevy S-10 Blazer - 4.3 L Vortec V6 (vin W with PCM) - This is the distributor style with vertical cap posts. 230,000 miles original owner. EDIT: Please click on link below to see a photo of ...
Sparky's user avatar
  • 476
5 votes
2 answers
908 views

2000 Honda Accord - Attempts to start cause lights to go out with no clicking and fails to start

I tried to start my car less than a minute after turning it off last night and it wouldn't turn over... it wouldn't even click. I tried a few times and then let it rest. After a 30 minute phone call ...
Byron DelSignore's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
11k views

Start a circuit or device when you insert key in car ignition

I want to start a circuit in my car when I insert my key in car ignition and let it turn off when the key gets removed. I have Honda Civic 2007. Can someone just help me out as to from where do I take ...
Humayun's user avatar
  • 153
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

Intermittent no crank issues

My girlfriend has 2003 VW Beetle (2.0L, 5-speed manual). Sometimes, when you turn the key to crank over the car it tries to turn over but then hits a wall. No clicking happens at all. It starts to ...
Adam's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
1 answer
284 views

What Is The Output Voltage For The Mazda 626 GF 2L 98-2002 Coil Pack?

I've seen aftermarket "high voltage" coils that output 40kV, but what is the output voltage for the standard OEM coil pack? I want to use a spark tester with an adjustable gap to check the strength ...
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
18k views

Do I Need to Ground the Spark Plug When Testing

When I'm using a known good spark plug to test spark at each wire, do I need to ground the threads of the plug to the engine block like the guy in this video is doing? What happens if I don't ground ...
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
16k views

What is an igniter?

In researching this question about the behavior of the tach on a Mazda Miata I came across references to a part called the "igniter" that apparently has a role in generating the signal that drives the ...
dlu's user avatar
  • 14.5k
4 votes
2 answers
4k views

Ford Focus - bad starter?

Car 1.6L Ford Focus estate, made in 2000. It is right hand drive, although I doubt that matters. Issue When the ignition key is turned from "On" to "Start", there is a click (...
Nick's user avatar
  • 1,945
4 votes
3 answers
129k views

Car will not start Sometimes?

Hey i just wanted to ask about my girlfriends car she has been having problems with for over a year.. we had it checked but they always say nothing is wrong (usually because the car starts when they ...
Ryan's user avatar
  • 79
2 votes
3 answers
16k views

Screeching noise when attempting to start car

I have a Ford Bantam 1.3l pickup (South African) with 31 000 km on the clock. This morning when I tried to start the car (cold start), it made a loud scratching/screeching noise (like when turning ...
janvdl's user avatar
  • 123
1 vote
1 answer
372 views

car wont start after attempt to change ignition switch and battery sparks

Car is a honda civic vti 1999. was going to change the ignition switch since its faulty though by holding crank you can get it to start. first i tried to disconnect battery(safety since starting ...
James Wilson's user avatar
  • 2,858
0 votes
0 answers
101 views

How to/difficulty of transferring immobiliser related wires in an ignition switch harness?

Was replacing ignition switch and realised it had an immobiliser related wire on it which needed to be transferred over. I have no real knowledge of electronics. How does one go about moving these ...
James Wilson's user avatar
  • 2,858
0 votes
0 answers
69 views

Help with defective ignition switch?

Civic coupe vti 1999. Car has been stalling recently and am thinking it’s due to an ignition switch. I had recently swapped a previously faulty ignition switch with one from a breakers. I assume it’s ...
James Wilson's user avatar
  • 2,858
0 votes
2 answers
112 views

New battery no start

One of week of extremely cold my Honda CRV 2014 battery died and I changed it with new one but the car neither started nor light or click it. I haven’t seen any problem before. Is there any suggestion ...
user62506's user avatar