Dwell Time (Coil Charge Time)
Dwell time is how long an ignition coil is energised and charging before it fires the spark.
What is Dwell Time (Coil Charge Time)?
The engine control unit adjusts it based on battery voltage and engine speed. It determines how much energy the spark has. An oscilloscope shows it in the coil's primary waveform. Older systems with contact breaker points had a set dwell angle.
How it works
Current flowing through the primary winding builds a magnetic field that collapses to create the spark.
Why it matters for your car
Too long a dwell time overheats coils. Too short a dwell time weakens the spark and can cause misfires.
Other terms
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- Blind Spot
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