When it comes to your vehicle’s ignition system, the wiring diagram is one of the most important things to understand. The points ignition system, which was commonly used in older vehicles, relies on a wiring diagram to ensure that the electrical current flows correctly from the battery to the spark plugs. In this article, we will discuss the points ignition wiring diagram in detail, providing you with all the information you need to wire your ignition system correctly.
What is a points ignition system?
A points ignition system is a type of ignition system that was commonly used in older vehicles. It consists of several components, including the battery, ignition switch, distributor, capacitor, and ignition coil. The purpose of the points ignition system is to create a high voltage spark that is used to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber.
When the ignition switch is turned on, the battery sends an electrical current to the distributor. The distributor then sends the current to the ignition coil, which amplifies the voltage and sends it to the spark plugs. The capacitor, which is also known as the condenser, is used to reduce arcing across the points and to smooth out the voltage fluctuations in the ignition circuit.
Points ignition wiring diagram
The points ignition wiring diagram is a diagram that shows the electrical connections between the various components of the ignition system. It includes information about the color coding of the wires, the location of the various components, and the direction of the electrical flow. Understanding the points ignition wiring diagram is essential to ensure that your ignition system is wired correctly.
Here is an example of a typical points ignition wiring diagram:
| Wire color | Component | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Battery | Positive (+) terminal |
| Black | Battery | Negative (-) terminal |
| Blue | Ignition switch | Accessory position |
| Yellow | Ignition switch | Start position |
| Green | Ignition coil | Positive (+) terminal |
| White | Distributor | Positive (+) terminal |
| Orange | Capacitor | Positive (+) terminal |
| Black and white | Capacitor | Negative (-) terminal |
| Light green | Points | Terminal 1 |
| Dark green | Points | Terminal 2 |
Battery
The first component in the points ignition system is the battery. The battery provides the electrical current that powers the entire system. It is important to ensure that the battery is fully charged and in good condition before wiring the ignition system.
When wiring the battery, the red wire should be connected to the positive (+) terminal, and the black wire should be connected to the negative (-) terminal. This will ensure that the electrical current flows correctly through the system.
Ignition switch
The ignition switch is the next component in the points ignition system. It is responsible for turning the system on and off. When the ignition switch is turned to the accessory position, the blue wire should be connected to the switch. When the switch is turned to the start position, the yellow wire should be connected to the switch.
Ignition coil
The ignition coil is responsible for amplifying the electrical current from the battery and sending it to the spark plugs. When wiring the ignition coil, the green wire should be connected to the positive (+) terminal.
Distributor
The distributor is responsible for distributing the electrical current to the correct spark plug at the correct time. When wiring the distributor, the white wire should be connected to the positive (+) terminal.
Capacitor
The capacitor, also known as the condenser, is responsible for reducing arcing across the points and smoothing out the voltage fluctuations in the ignition circuit. When wiring the capacitor, the orange wire should be connected to the positive (+) terminal, and the black and white wire should be connected to the negative (-) terminal.
Points
The points are responsible for opening and closing the electrical circuit in the ignition system. When wiring the points, the light green wire should be connected to terminal 1, and the dark green wire should be connected to terminal 2.
FAQ
1. What does the points ignition system do?
The points ignition system creates a high voltage spark that is used to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber of the engine.
2. Why is the wiring diagram important?
The wiring diagram is important because it shows the electrical connections between the various components of the ignition system. It ensures that the electrical current flows correctly through the system.
3. What is the purpose of the capacitor?
The capacitor is used to reduce arcing across the points and to smooth out the voltage fluctuations in the ignition circuit.
4. How do I know if my ignition system is wired correctly?
You can test your ignition system by using a multimeter to check the electrical connections and voltage levels at each component. If the voltage levels are correct and the connections are secure, then your ignition system is wired correctly.
5. Can I use a points ignition system in a modern vehicle?
While points ignition systems are not commonly used in modern vehicles, they can be used in older vehicles that were originally designed for them. However, electronic ignition systems are generally more reliable and efficient than points ignition systems.
In conclusion, understanding the points ignition wiring diagram is crucial to ensure that your ignition system is wired correctly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can wire your ignition system with confidence, knowing that it will function correctly and reliably.
