Pick-Up Coil: Description and Operation

Single Pick-Up Distributor:

Dual Pick-Up Distributor:

The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) uses the Pick-Up Coil to sense proper timing. This is accomplished when the reluctor, rotating on the distributor shaft inside the distributor housing, induces a small electrical signal into the pick-up coil. This signal then continues to the ECU where it causes the switching transistor to trigger ignition coil firing. Some distributors are equipped with two pick-up coils, one is used just for starting and the second for all other run conditions. A Dual Pick-Up Start-Run Relay is used on vehicles with dual pick-up distributors to switch from one pick-up coil to the other coil.