Safety precautions when working with electronic ignition systems (Opel Vectra A)

The voltage generated in electronic ignition systems reaches 30 kV. Under unfavorable conditions, such as high humidity in the engine compartment, this voltage can break through the insulation, and if you accidentally touch the current-carrying parts of the system, you can get an electric shock.

To avoid injury and damage to electronic components, keep the following in mind when working on a vehicle with an electronic ignition system.

Do not touch or disconnect ignition system wires with your hands while the engine is running or starting.

Disconnect and connect ignition system wires, as well as measuring instrument wires, only when the ignition is off.

Do not connect a suppression capacitor or test lamp to terminal "1" ("-").

Before starting the engine with the starter (for example, when checking compression), turn off the ignition by disconnecting the high-voltage wire (terminal "4") from the ignition distributor and connecting it with an auxiliary wire to the "ground". The auxiliary wire must have the same cross-section as the disconnected one.

Do not start the engine from a quick battery charger for more than 1 minute at a voltage greater than 16.5 V.

Do not install a different type of ignition coil on the engine (do not under any circumstances install a coil designed for a conventional ignition system!).

Do not start the engine when the vehicle temperature reaches 80°C (for example, during hot drying after painting, steam treatment, etc.).

Disconnect the wires from the battery before performing electric welding work.



Wash the engine only with the ignition off.

Persons using a pacemaker are prohibited from working on the electronic ignition system.