What does 'cylinder 3 ignition actuation open circuit' mean?
2 Answers
Engine operation is discontinuous, indicating a fault in the engine. Here are the detailed explanations: Introduction: Generally, when the first cylinder completes the compression stroke, the second cylinder starts ignition. After the second cylinder completes, the third cylinder ignites, followed by the fourth cylinder. After the fourth cylinder completes, the first cylinder ignites again. This cycle ensures that each cylinder completes four strokes. When the engine speed is high, the power output can be considered continuous. An open circuit means the engine operation is discontinuous, indicating a fault in the engine. Cylinder in Internal Combustion Engine: The cylinder in an internal combustion engine is the cavity in the engine block where the piston is placed. It serves as the track for the piston's movement, where the fuel burns and expands. The cylinder wall also helps dissipate some of the residual heat from combustion, maintaining the engine at a normal operating temperature. Cylinder Types: Cylinders can be classified into integral type and single-cast type. The single-cast type further includes dry and wet types. When the cylinder and engine block are cast as one piece, it is called an integral cylinder. When they are cast separately, the single-cast cylinder is called a cylinder liner. A cylinder liner that directly contacts the cooling water is called a wet liner, while one that does not is called a dry liner.
Yesterday a fellow car enthusiast asked me what 'cylinder 3 ignition actuation open circuit' means. It simply refers to a broken wire in the third cylinder's ignition system. Like what I personally experienced last time - when starting the engine, there was obvious severe shaking and the exhaust pipe made a sputtering sound. The main possibilities are either a broken wire between the ignition coil and control module, or an issue with the ECU's signal output - just like when your home light switch is broken and the light won't turn on. To diagnose such problems, you need to use a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes, with focus on checking whether the ignition coil connector is loose or corroded, and if the wiring is intact. Don't delay repairs, otherwise the engine will run with a misfiring cylinder, which over time can damage the catalytic converter, making repairs even more expensive.
