1F-8
CHANGED BY
EFFECTIVE DATE
AFFECTED VIN
ENGINE CONTROLS
M162 GSL ENG SM - 2005.7
This ignition system does not use a conventional dis-
tributor and coil. It uses a crankshaft position sensor in-
put to the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM then
determines Electronic Spark Timing (EST) and triggers
the electronic ignition system ignition coil.
This type of distributorless ignition system uses a “waste
spark” method of spark distribution. Each cylinder is paired
with the cylinder that is opposite it (1-6 or 2-5 or 3-4). The
spark occurs simultaneously in the cylinder coming upon
the compression stroke and in the cylinder coming up on
the exhaust stroke. The cylinder on the exhaust stroke
requires very little of the available energy tofire the spark
plug. The remaining energy is available to the spark plug
in the cylinder on the compression stroke.
These systems use the EST signal from the ECM to con-
trol the EST. The ECM uses the following information:
• Engine load (mass air flow sensor).
• Engine temperature.
• Intake air temperature.
• Crankshaft position.
• Engine speed (rpm).
IGNITION SYSTEM