HITACHI Electronic Ignition - SUBARU: Description

NOTE: Subaru 2-WD models use Nippondenso ignition systems.

The Hitachi electronic distributor consists of a housing, shaft assembly, rotor and distributor cap. See Fig 1. A reluctor, mounted on the upper distributor shaft, combines with the stator and pick-up coil to provide ignition timing.

Fig 1: Disassembled View of Hitachi Distributor

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

This distributor is used on Subaru 4-WD vehicles.

With the ignition switch "ON", the distributor reluctor rotates past the stator. As each tooth of the reluctor approaches and passes the stator, a signal is sent to the pick-up coil/control unit. In response to the signal, the control unit then turns the primary circuit in the ignition coil on and off.

This causes a build-up and collapse of a magnetic field in the coil, resulting in a high voltage surge in the coil's secondary circuit. This fires the spark plugs. See Figure.