NZQA Expiring unit standard / 235 version 10
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Title / Demonstrate knowledge of automotive ignition systems and their operation
Level / 2 / Credits / 4
Purpose / This theory-based unit standard is for people who wish to enter or are employed in the motor industry. People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of: the operation of a contact breaker ignition system, the operation of distributor type electronic ignition systems, the layout and components of magneto ignition systems, and the circuit layout and components in distributorless ignition systems.
Classification / Motor Industry > Automotive Electrical and Electronics
Available grade / Achieved

Guidance Information

1Evidence presented for assessment against this unit standard must be consistent with safe working practices and be in accordance with applicable manufacturer’s specifications, service information, company and legislative requirements.

2Definitions

Company requirements refer to instructions to staff on policy and procedures which are documented in memo or manual format and are available in the workplace. These requirements include but are not limited to – company specifications and procedures, work instructions, manufacturer specifications, product quality specifications and legislative requirements.

Service information may include but is not limited to – technical information of a vehicle, machine, or product detailing operation; installation and servicing procedures; manufacturer instructions and specifications; technical terms and descriptions; and detailed illustrations. This may be accessed from the manufacturer.

Outcomes and performance criteria

Outcome 1

Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of a contact breaker ignition system.

Performance criteria

1.1The circuit layout of a contact breaker ignition system is described with the aid of diagrams, and the function of each part is defined.

1.2How an interruption in current flow in the primary windings of an ignition coil is used to induce a voltage in adjacent secondary windings (mutual induction) is described.

1.3The operation of an assembled ignition system is described.

Outcome 2

Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of distributor type electronic ignition systems.

Rangemagnetic pulse system, Hall effect system, optical trigger system.

Performance criteria

2.1Precautions that should be taken when working with electronic ignition systems are described.

2.2The circuit layout of an electronic ignition system and its components are identified with the aid of diagrams, and the function of each part is defined.

2.3The sensors used for electronic ignition systems are identified, and their operation is described.

2.4The operation of each of the assembled ignition systems is described.

Outcome 3

Demonstrate knowledge of the layout and components of magneto ignition systems.

Rangecontact breaker, capacitor discharge (CDI), digital electronic ignition.

Performance criteria

3.1The circuit layout and components are identified by the use of diagrams and illustrations.

Outcome 4

Demonstrate knowledge of the circuit layout and components in distributorless ignition systems.

Rangecoil-on-plug, waste spark.

Performance criteria

4.1The circuit layout and components are identified by the use of diagrams and illustrations.

Replacement information / This unit standard and unit standard 24116 were replaced by unit standard 30574.

This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.

Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions

Process / Version / Date / Last Date for Assessment
Registration / 1 / 28 February 1993 / 31 December 2018
Review / 2 / 4 August 1995 / 31 December 2018
Revision / 3 / 30 October 1997 / 31 December 2018
Revision / 4 / 28 May 1998 / 31 December 2018
Review / 5 / 20 December 1998 / 31 December 2018
Revision / 6 / 13 March 2001 / 31 December 2018
Revision / 7 / 16 October 2003 / 31 December 2018
Review / 8 / 27 July 2005 / 31 December 2018
Review / 9 / 21 April 2016 / 31 December 2020
Review / 10 / 26 October 2017 / 31 December 2020
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0014

This CMR can be accessed at

MITO New Zealand Incorporated
SSB Code 101542 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018 / / New Zealand Qualifications Aut