In a low-tension ignition system, what component boosts voltage to the spark plug?

In a low-tension ignition system, what component boosts voltage to the spark plug?

• A. A transformer mounted on the cylinder head
• B. A battery-powered coil near the distributor
• C. A separate high-tension wire from the battery
• D. A conventional spark plug with no transformer

Answer: (A)

Voltage to the spark plug is boosted by a transformer mounted on the cylinder head. In a low-tension system, the low-voltage input is fed into this per-cylinder transformer, which steps the voltage up to thousands of volts needed to jump the spark plug gap. The high-voltage output then travels through a short, high-tension lead to the plug, delivering a reliable spark at the right time. This per-cylinder transformer setup distinguishes low-tension ignition from configurations that rely on a coil near the distributor or a direct battery feed without local voltage boosting. A spark plug by itself cannot generate the necessary high voltage.

Voltage to the spark plug is boosted by a transformer mounted on the cylinder head. In a low-tension system, the low-voltage input is fed into this per-cylinder transformer, which steps the voltage up to thousands of volts needed to jump the spark plug gap. The high-voltage output then travels through a short, high-tension lead to the plug, delivering a reliable spark at the right time. This per-cylinder transformer setup distinguishes low-tension ignition from configurations that rely on a coil near the distributor or a direct battery feed without local voltage boosting. A spark plug by itself cannot generate the necessary high voltage.