Pick-Up Coil: Description and Operation

PURPOSE
Generates a signal used to determine when to switch coil primary circuit ON and OFF.

LOCATION
Inside distributor assembly.

OPERATION
As the reluctor turns with the distributor shaft, protrusions (one for each cylinder) pass close to the pick-up coil, causing a disruption in the coil's magnetic field. This disruption is the signal used by the igniter (a transistorized switching device) to disconnect the primary coil circuit ground connection and induce high voltage from the coil secondary windings.