What Is a Plug Control Module?
A plug control module, or ignition control module, is a computer within the electrical system of an automobile. It receives data from a network of sensors and controls the firing of the spark plugs via a central microprocessor.
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Coils
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Modern automotive electrical systems rarely have a distributor (a device that distributes voltage to the spark plugs in a definite sequence). Instead, they have one pair of coils that controls each spark plug directly.
Voltage
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The plug control module activates the coils, delivering high voltage through the spark plug circuits. The module may also sense when an engine is under heavy load, via a manifold vacuum sensor, and adjust the timing automatically.
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Timing
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Each spark plug circuit contains two spark plugs, which fire simultaneously, one on the compression stroke of one cylinder and the other on the exhaust stroke of another cylinder. The plug control module therefore controls not only the distribution of the voltage, but also its timing.
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