Q: What does the ignition timing control system do?

asked by on December 15, 2015

What does the ignition timing control system do?

The ignition timing control system is an important part of the network of emissions control systems on your car. Really, it does exactly what the name implies – it manages the timing of the engine to help reduce the production of harmful gases. These include carbon monoxide (which toxic, although not a pollutant), NOx, and various hydrocarbons. It works in conjunction with other components like the exhaust gas recirculation system and your catalytic converters to drop emissions as low as possible.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What is the SecuriLock® system on my car?
Your car is equipped with both a security system and an immobilizer system. The SecuriLock® system is the immobilizer. It’s actually the only anti-theft system onboard the car – the alarm only sounds the horn and flashes the lights. It...
Car makes noise over 30 mph
Several components can cause strange noises during vehicle operation. The sluggish symptom points to a lack of power, which can come from a fault in the engine or transmission as the engine makes the power and the transmission puts that...
Car won't start, makes single "clunk" noise when key is turned.
It looks like the engine oil was contaminated with coolant and since the number 4 cylinder has a problem then you most likely blew a head gasket by that cylinder. The starter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement) may also be bad if you cranked...
After engine replacement, Service Engine light on
The malfunction indicator lamp illuminates at the sign of an error in a number of the vehicles systems. The trouble code must be read every time to see if the same or a new code has popped up, then the...
How much can I expect to pay in maintenance to cost over the next 5 years?
Hi, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to provide my insight. Unfortunately, as you may know every car depreciates in value fairly rapidly relative to the amount you have paid for it. As with any car, the dependability is...
I have a 2006 nissan altima 2.5s......when im driving my temp will go all the way up to high but drop down to the normal area when
Typically, a coolant flow issue can cause the temperature to climb while driving. A clogged cooling system or a partially opened thermostat can cause this. A cracked head gasket is a possibility but with the age and mileage of the...
Why is my car slow to accelerate when I press the gas pedal all of the way down in my 1993 Mitsubishi Eclipse
Hello. It sounds like you have a serious transmission issue. If the engine is revving and the vehicle is not moving then this is a sign that the transmission is slipping and needs to be replaced or rebuilt. If there...
I took the engine out of a 2007 malibu and put it into a 2005 cobolt and now it won't start.
Hi there. Check all of the sensors to the engine and make sure that all of them are connected. Check the computer and see if there is an wires disconnected to it. A loose wire or a sensor to the...
a lot of play in rear axle.
Hi there. The rear end pinion engages with a ring gear and the other end of the pinion is supported on a tapered roller bearing. If there is any radial play in the pinion or axles itself, there is a...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Jaguar XJ
While While Jaguar has struggled in the past with breaking out into a more modern consumer base, the XJ does a good job of helping the carmaker to shed its stodgy, old-fashioned rep and enter the full-size luxury sedan market...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
When When we talk about Suzuki, the first thing that comes to mind is the company’s decision in 2012 to pull its automobile division out of the United States market. Still, some of their lineup offers desirable features, and the...
How to Buy a Good Quality Gasket
There There are a wide variety of gasket types on a typical vehicle, from head gaskets which are installed between the cylinder head and the engine block to engine gaskets which seal out harmful elements and keep the engine safe...