Electronic Ignition Questions

[Davey]

Hey fellers. I am trying to understand how my electronic ignition system works, so I can troubleshoot it if it ever quits. I got a wiring diagram for it from the slant six page. Here are some questions I have, after looking at the wiring:

1) Power comes off of the ignition sw thru the resistor, then thru the coil and then on to the module.

2) The other side of the module is connected to the distributor.

Apparently, the module provides a ground to the coil based upon a timed signal from the distributor. Is this correct?

The other question is, my diagram shows that not only does ignition voltage go thru the coil to the module, but that there is a wire from the "start" post on the ignition switch going directly to the module. Why? Why does the module need to see "start" voltage as well as "run" voltage? Seems to me that "run" voltage from the switch would be all the module needs. So, to summarize my questions:

1) The module is simply providing a "time" ground to the coil, correct?

2) Why does the module need to see "start" voltage" ?

Thanks as always for your info! Davey

[Jeffc]

Hey fellers. I am trying to understand how my electronic ignition system works, so I can troubleshoot it if it ever quits. I got a wiring diagram for it from the slant six page. Here are some questions I have, after looking at the wiring:

1) Power comes off of the ignition sw thru the resistor, then thru the coil and then on to the module.

2) The other side of the module is connected to the distributor.

Apparently, the module provides a ground to the coil based upon a timed signal from the distributor. Is this correct?

Yes, that is correct.

The other question is, my diagram shows that not only does ignition voltage go thru the coil to the module, but that there is a wire from the "start" post on the ignition switch going directly to the module. Why? Why does the module need to see "start" voltage as well as "run" voltage? Seems to me that "run" voltage from the switch would be all the module needs. So, to summarize my questions:

1) The module is simply providing a "time" ground to the coil, correct?

2) Why does the module need to see "start" voltage" ?

NO, not correct, there should be no wire from
the "start" side of the key, only from the run
side.
The old 5 wire system (5 pin box)used a four post ballast (green wire), this green wire helped
supply power to box, the later 4 pin box had this
function included into the box so you only need
the 2 post ballast and do not need the 4 post ballast.
Link will show both systems and correct wires.
http://imageevent.com/jeffc/techstuff2e ... =4&s=0&z=2

Thanks as always for your info! Davey