Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to diagnosing and repairing ignition systems, including procedures for:
using specialised tools and equipment
using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
identifying hazards and controlling risks associated with:
working on high voltage ignition systems
wearing jewellery while working around high current wiring systems
operating principles of ignition systems and associated components, including:
generating principles, including Faraday’s law and inducing an electromotive force (EMF)
application, purpose and operation of ignition systems and components, including:
ignition coils, including:
internal component function and operation: primary windings, iron core and secondary windings
electromagnetic induction in the coil
spark plugs: identification, thread size, reach, heat range, resistance-type plugs, and type and number of earth electrodes
ignition leads
Kettering ignition system, including:
primary section: battery, ignition switch, ballast resistor, ignition coil primary windings, contact breaker point and capacitor
secondary section: ignition coil secondary windings, coil high tension lead, rotor button and distributor cap, spark plug high tension leads and spark plugs
firing order
ignition timing and methods of varying timing according to engine load and speed
electronic ignition systems, including:
pulse generator systems: stator and rotor units, ignition control units, current limiting and dwell control
Hall effect systems: Hall effect device, and permanent magnet and signal waveform
optical ignition systems: light emitting diodes (LEDs), rotating disc and optical electronic semiconductors
magneto ignition systems: shuttle and inductor magnetos, and energy transfer ignition systems
capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) systems:
transformer, charging circuit, triggering circuit, main capacitor and rectifier
alternating current CDI
direct current CDI
waste spark ignition systems
coil on plug ignition systems
diagnostic testing procedures for ignition systems, including:
using diagnostic flow charts
testing electrical systems, including procedures for:
accessing electrical terminals and using test probes without damaging connectors, fuse holders or wiring
checking resistance, current flow and voltage drop of ignition system circuits
testing ignition coils
using oscilloscopes, including interpreting ignition system primary and secondary waveforms
repair procedures for ignition systems, including:
removing and replacing faulty or damaged components
setting contact breaker gap and checking dwell
adjusting ignition system timing
removing, replacing and re-timing distributors
post-repair testing procedures for ignition systems, including static and dynamic performance tests of ignition systems.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.
Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the ignition systems that they have worked on, e.g. repair orders.
Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
The following resources must be made available:
automotive repair workplace or simulated workplace
workplace instructions
manufacturer ignition system specifications
two different vehicles, vessels or machinery with ignition system faults
diagnostic equipment for ignition systems, including:
multimeter
scan tool
oscilloscope
tools, equipment and materials appropriate for repairing vehicle, vessel or machinery ignition systems.