Ignition System - LUCAS Electronic: Operation

Reluctor turns with distributor shaft. As each of the 6 or 12 teeth pass across the pick-up coil's pole piece, the magnetic field strength around the pick-up winding is intensified. This creates a voltage in pick-up coil windings.

The rise and fall of this voltage is sensed by the amplifier module, which then sends a signal cutting off voltage to the primary circuit of ignition coil. This causes a voltage surge in the secondary, firing spark plugs.