What does an ignitor do?

[Rick '79 FJ40]

I understand the ignition system, at least on a conceptual basis, but I don't know what the ignitor does.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Coolerman]

The Toyota Ignitor replaced the old points with an inductive pickup under the cap. This pickup detects a magnet on the rotor and sends a signal to the ignitor. The ignitor uses that signal to trigger the coil to fire using solid state components instead of points. That's all there is to it....

 

[CruisinGA]

it is also good to carry a spare one just like spare points are a good idea...

they often die slowly leaving you with odd symptoms that are hard to trace down and leaving the ign in the "on" position for an extended period of time without the engine running can kill them too... just like points...

 

[Poser]

leaving the ign in the "on" position for an extended period of time without the engine running can kill them too... just like points...

Points will not be affected by the ignition key being left in the on position, no matter if they are open or closed. However, if they are closed, they complete the circuit through the coil. Eventually, your oil in your coil will start to boil, create pressure inside the coil body and eventually explode, creating one hell of a mess under the hood, or even on the windshield, depending on where the coil is mounted.


Is that not right Lemon?

 

[IDave]

Points will not be affected by the ignition key being left in the on position, no matter if they are open or closed. However, if they are closed, they complete the circuit through the coil. Eventually, your oil in your coil will start to boil, create pressure inside the coil body and eventually explode, creating one hell of a mess under the hood, or even on the windshield, depending on where the coil is mounted.

Oh, and it can catch fire, too!

 

[Rick '79 FJ40]

Points will not be affected by the ignition key being left in the on position, no matter if they are open or closed. However, if they are closed, they complete the circuit through the coil. Eventually, your oil in your coil will start to boil, create pressure inside the coil body and eventually explode, creating one hell of a mess under the hood, or even on the windshield, depending on where the coil is mounted.


Is that not right Lemon?

I HATE when that happens...

Thanks for the info, guys!