Ignition System - Service Information: Other Chrysler Crossfire I

Spark Plugs

Each cylinder utilizes two spark plugs. The spark plugs use a platinum tip design for extended service life. The spark plugs are mounted directly across from each other in the cylinder head.

Ignition Coil Packs

Each cylinder has its own coil pack. The coil packs are a dual-coil design, utilizing two coils in one. Each coil pack has a single primary input, and two secondary outputs. The coils will fire simultaneously, or in phases. The six coil packs are mounted to the top of the cylinder head covers.

Spark Plug Cables

Each cylinder utilizes two spark plug cables. The cables are shielded for heat protection.

Camshaft Position Sensor

The Camshaft Position Sensor is a hall effect type sensor (3 wire). The Camshaft Sensor is used to identify cylinder #1 compression stroke. The Camshaft Position Sensor is mounted on the right front cylinder head.

Crankshaft Position Sensor

The Crankshaft Position Sensor is an inductive type sensor (2 wire). The Crankshaft Sensor is used to determine the crankshaft position and speed. The Crankshaft Position Sensor is mounted on the left rear of the cylinder block.

Knock Sensors

The knock sensors are Piezo type sensors. The engine is equipped with two knock sensors. The knock sensors monitor vibration of the crankcase, and act to control timing on the relevant cylinder. The Knock Sensors are mounted in the engine valley, just below the intake manifold.

Powertrain Control Module

The PCM uses inputs from the Camshaft Position Sensor, Crankshaft Position Sensor, Knock Sensors, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor, and MAF Sensor (3.2L engine only) to trigger the Ignition Coils. The PCM is mounted in the engine compartment within the Control Module Box.

SPARK PLUGS

COLD FOULING/CARBON FOULING

Cold fouling is sometimes referred to as carbon fouling. The deposits that cause cold fouling are basically carbon. A dry, black deposit on one or two plugs in a set may be caused by sticking valves or defective spark plug cables. Cold (carbon) fouling of the entire set of spark plugs may be caused by a clogged air cleaner element or repeated short operating times (short trips).

WET FOULING OR GAS FOULING

A spark plug coated with excessive wet fuel or oil is wet fouled. In older engines, worn piston rings, leaking valve guide seals or excessive cylinder wear can cause wet fouling. In new or recently overhauled engines, wet fouling may occur before break-in (normal oil control) is achieved. This condition can usually be resolved by cleaning with solvent and reinstalling the plugs.

Scheme 20

If one or more spark plugs are oil or oil ash encrusted, evaluate engine condition for the cause of oil entry into that particular combustion chamber.

Scheme 21

Electrode gap bridging may be traced to loose deposits in the combustion chamber. These deposits (2) accumulate on the spark plugs during continuous stop-and-go driving. When the engine is suddenly subjected to a high torque load, deposits partially liquefy and bridge the gap between electrodes (3). This short circuits the electrodes. Spark plugs with electrode gap bridging (1) should be replaced.

Scheme 22

Fuel scavenger deposits may be either white or yellow. They may appear to be harmful, but this is a normal condition caused by chemical additives in certain fuels. These additives are designed to change the chemical nature of deposits and decrease spark plug misfire tendencies. Notice that accumulation on the ground electrode (1) and shell area may be heavy, but the deposits are easily removed. Spark plugs with scavenger deposits can be considered normal in condition and can be cleaned using solvent.

Scheme 23

A chipped electrode insulator (3) usually results from bending the center electrode (2) while adjusting the spark plug electrode gap. Under certain conditions, severe detonation can also separate the insulator from the center electrode. Spark plugs with this condition must be replaced.

Scheme 24

Preignition damage is usually caused by excessive combustion chamber temperature. The center electrode (2) dissolves first and the ground electrode (1) dissolves somewhat later. Insulators appear relatively deposit free. Determine if the spark plug has the correct heat range rating for the engine. Determine if ignition timing is over advanced or if other operating conditions are causing engine overheating. (The heat range rating refers to the operating temperature of a particular type spark plug. Spark plugs are designed to operate within specific temperature ranges. This depends upon the thickness and length of the center electrode's porcelain insulator.)

Scheme 25

Overheating is indicated by a white or gray center electrode insulator that also appears blistered. The increase in electrode gap will be considerably in excess of the normal 0.025 mm (.001 in.) per 3200 km (2000 miles) of operation. This suggests that a plug with a cooler heat range rating should be used. Over advanced ignition timing, detonation and cooling system malfunctions can also cause spark plug overheating (1).

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

1. Twist and pull the metal clad spark plug cable boots (2) to remove them from the spark plugs. NOTE: Avoid allowing debris to fall into the spark plug holes during replacement.
2. Clean the cylinder head spark plug recesses (2) using low pressure compressed air. CAUTION: Do not use power tools to replace spark plugs. Damage to the cylinder head can result.
3. Use a rubber insulated spark plug socket and a hand ratchet to remove the spark plugs (1).
4. Remove the spark plugs (1) from the engine.

Scheme 28

1. Using a spark plug gap gauge (1), gap the spark plugs to 1.02 mm (.040 in.) before installation.
2. Start the spark plugs into the cylinder head by hand to avoid cross threading.
3. Tighten the spark plugs to 28 N.m (21 ft. lbs.). NOTE: When installing the spark plug cables, route the cables correctly. Failure to route the cables properly can cause improper spark plug phase-shift.
4. Install the spark plug cables to the appropriate spark plug location (G & K) (plug side). NOTE: Refer to the reference pad cast into the cylinder head cover to identify proper spark plug/spark plug cable orientation. NOTE: When installing spark plug cables, insure a positive connection is made. A snap should be felt when a good connection is made between the spark plug cable and the spark plug.
5. Insure a firm connection is made from the spark plug cables (2) to the spark plugs.

Scheme 29

Spark Plug cables, often referred to as secondary ignition wires, transfer electrical current from the electronic Ignition Coils to the individual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The cables provide suppression of radio frequency emissions from the ignition system.

Check the spark plug cable connections for good contact at the coil, and spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated. The insulators should be in good condition and should fit tightly on the coil, and spark plugs. Spark plug cables with insulators that are cracked or torn must be replaced.

Clean Spark Plug cables with a cloth moistened with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the cables dry. Check for brittle or cracked insulation. The spark plug cables and spark plug boots are made from high temperature materials.