Electricity is a major part of your vehicle’s operation. Electricity is responsible for igniting the fuel in your engine’s cylinders, keeping your accessories running, and sends signals through your engine control module, ensuring proper operation. The spark is directed to the correct spark plug by the distributor, which senses the position of the distributor and communicates with the engine control module through a component known as the electronic ignition pickup. The engine control module uses this information to determine when to ignite each spark plug, ensuring that your ignition timing operates properly.
A failing electronic ignition pickup can cause your engine to fail to start, but it is not the only probable cause. To accurately determine the cause of an engine that no longer starts, you should bring your vehicle in to your Certified Auto Repair Specialist of Pasadena today for a thorough inspection and diagnosis. Any engine that is running rough or surging should be checked for possible ignition pickup problems. Your ignition system should also be inspected during spark plug replacement and tune-up. If it is found to be faulty, it should be replaced before your vehicle no longer starts.
If the electronic ignition pickup stops working or if the wiring becomes damaged or corroded, then your engine will still turn over, but no longer run. A no-start condition is usually preceded by intermittent surging or loss of power before complete failure. The check engine light usually will not be triggered by an electronic ignition problem.
Some common symptoms of a failing electronic ignition pickup are an engine that turns over but does not start, and surging and/or loss of power. If you notice any of these symptoms, or otherwise suspect that your electronic ignition pickup is failing, bring your vehicle in to your Certified Auto Repair Specialist of Pasadena today to have our certified mechanics take a look at it.