High voltage unit (Opel Vectra B)

In the ignition system, the high-voltage unit includes, in addition to the DIS ignition module – which has already been mentioned – the spark plug connectors, the ignition wire and, of course, the spark plugs.

Spark plug connectors, anti-jamming connectors

In Vectra models, any spark plug connectors cannot be used. The required connectors have an internal resistance of 4-6 kW.

The same applies to the anti-interference connectors of the ignition wires in the DIS ignition module connection units. They must have a resistance of 0.6-1.4 kW.

Ignition wires

Usually, the connecting wires from the DIS ignition module to the spark plugs do not cause problems. Copper wires, which Opel has been using for a long time, can be considered reliable in operation.

Material copied from this resource [OPELBOOK]

But high voltages of electronic ignition systems make much higher demands on the insulation of wires. "Voltage breakdowns" through the insulation layer have become more frequent, which are facilitated by dampness and salt on the roads. In case of ignition failures, this is enough to critically inspect the high-voltage wires together with their connectors.

Check that the wire is firmly seated in the sockets in the DIS ignition module. They may come out of them a little due to the heating of the enclosed air and as a result cause interruptions in the engine operation.

The terminals must not be oxidized and must have good contact with the spark plug connectors.



If the spark from the spark plug jumps to ground, you will hear clicking and knocking sounds in the engine compartment.

At night you will clearly see sparks jumping. The reason may be a layer of salt on the wires, or a wire has worn through somewhere.



Spark plug wires with frayed or melted areas must be replaced immediately.

Sometimes the wires break - not visible from the outside - in the area above the spark plug connector.

Ignition sequence

To ensure balanced engine operation, the fuel-air mixture is ignited in the cylinders not in the 1-2-3-4 sequence, but to a certain extent in an alternating manner.

In all Opel Vectra models the ignition sequence is: 1-3-4-2.

In cars with a distributorless ignition system, the wires are connected as shown in the figure above.