- Contact bounce: This occurs when the contacts vibrate after they open or close, causing the circuit to be momentarily interrupted. This can result in misfires and poor engine performance.
- Contact wear: The contacts can wear out over time, which can also lead to misfires and poor engine performance.
- High voltage arcing: The high voltage that is used to power the spark plugs can arc across the contacts, which can damage them and cause them to wear out more quickly.
A transistor ignition system uses a solid-state transistor to open and close the circuit that powers the spark plugs. This eliminates the problems that are associated with mechanical contacts, providing a number of advantages, including:
- Improved reliability: Transistor ignition systems are more reliable than traditional systems because they do not have any moving parts that can wear out or break.
- Better spark timing: Transistor ignition systems can provide more accurate spark timing than traditional systems, which can improve engine performance and fuel economy.
- Reduced voltage arcing: Transistor ignition systems use lower voltage than traditional systems, which reduces the risk of damage to the ignition components.
Transistor ignition systems are also more compact and lightweight than traditional systems, making them easier to install and maintain.
