Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Electronic Ignition System

What is an electronic ignition system?

The Electronic Ignition System is an automotive system that replaced the traditional mechanical ignition systems in vehicles. It is designed to provide more precise and reliable ignition timing for improved engine performance and fuel efficiency.

In a traditional mechanical ignition system, a distributor and ignition points were used to control the timing of spark plug firing. The electronic ignition system, on the other hand, uses solid-state components, such as an ignition control module, sensors, and an ignition coil, to manage the ignition timing electronically.

Electronic ignition system working mechanism

1. Crankshaft position sensor: The system uses a crankshaft position sensor to monitor the rotational speed and position of the engine's crankshaft.
2. Camshaft position sensor: In some designs, a camshaft position sensor is also used to determine the position of the engine's camshaft.
3. Ignition control module (ICM): The ICM processes the signals from the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors to determine the precise timing for spark plug firing.
4. Ignition coil: The ignition coil amplifies the voltage and sends it to the spark plugs.
5. Spark plugs: The spark plugs receive the high-voltage signal from the ignition coil and create an electrical spark, which ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders.