MISFIRE DETECTION METHOD FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

摘要

A method for detecting misfire in the combustion cylinder of a spark ignition internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of charging an ignition transformer to a maximum ignition charge and initiating an ignition discharge between electrodes of the spark plug. The ignition transformer is then charged to a predetermined diagnostic charge which is less than said maximum ignition charge. If combustion is occurring within the cylinder, the temperature and pressure near the spark plug will be sufficient to allow the diagnostic charge to discharge. If the diagnostic charge does not discharge, the charge will be reflected back into the ignition transformer where it will be detected by a circuit as an indicia of misfire.