Q: What role do spark plug wires play's ignition system on Honda CRX?
A: The Spark Plug wires are very vital components of a vehicle's ignition system in as much as they convey small amounts of current that in turn ignite the spark plugs at a very high voltage. This high voltage is needed because the spark has to jump the plug gap and this calls for a high electrical pressure. Electricity has difficulty passing through air or an air/fuel mixture; the airgap will not transmit electricity in its natural state. Voltage on the central electrode that protrudes from the plug evaporates the air around the plug: clouding it as a result, the high voltage sparks across the ground electrode; the voltage needed is relatively high primarily because of the pressure inside the cylinders during the compression stroke. A coil increases the voltage to the plugs and as it does this its ability to do so diminishes with any increased current flow therefore little margin for loss through poor ignition wires. Further, the high voltage in the wires may cause corona effect leading to still more current and voltage drop. Premium ignition wires containing metallic conductors and constant checking of the wires as for signs of cracked or brittle insulations should be used. Signs that their ignition wires are on the way out include poor startup, especially in wet conditions but which becomes better once the engine warms up, or the weather improves. Yellow or blue sparking around the conductivity of the wire at night is a clear sign that you will need to replace the wire. One should also examine the distributor cap and rotor for cracks or carbon tracking where sparks then have a course. Even if the insulation is not damaged, difficulties with ignition occur occasionally, in which case the use of an ignition scope or a diagnostic system will allow one to note high resistance in the conductors of the wire. An ohmmeter can be used to determine the resistance of the wire, which in no case should exceed 25000O. Changing of ignition wires should be done on an individual basis; recommended that the wires be correctly connected to the cap and plugs and all the insulator boots are well fitted.