What does an ignition condenser do?

-First, to understand what the capacitor (condensor) does in the ignition system, it is necessary to understand how an ignition system works. Current goes through the primary circuit in an ignition coil and then to some sort of switching system breaks the connection when a cylinder's spark plug is meant to fire. The magnetic field that's in the ignition coil collapses and induces a high voltage into the secondary circuit of the ignition system, causing an arc in the spark plug and then firing the cylinder.



The problem is that when the magnetic field collapses in the primary circuit, a short voltage spike is introduced to that circuit as well. The condensor/capacitor absorbs this voltage spike.



In modern cars, this capacitor is no longer necessary. A diode is used instead.





If no capacitor were attached to an older system which requires one, voltage (and thus current) can flow backwards into the battery causing an overcharge condition and/or short out the plates by arcing. In addition, the alternator diodes may fail.First, to understand what the capacitor (condensor) does in the ignition system, it is necessary to understand how an ignition system works. Current goes through the primary circuit in an ignition coil and then to some sort of switching system breaks the connection when a cylinder's spark plug is meant to fire. The magnetic field that's in the ignition coil collapses and induces a high voltage into the secondary circuit of the ignition system, causing an arc in the spark plug and then firing the cylinder.



The problem is that when the magnetic field collapses in the primary circuit, a short voltage spike is introduced to that circuit as well. The condensor/capacitor absorbs this voltage spike.



In modern cars, this capacitor is no longer necessary. A diode is used instead.





If no capacitor were attached to an older system which requires one, voltage (and thus current) can flow backwards into the battery causing an overcharge condition and/or short out the plates by arcing. In addition, the alternator diodes may fail.Hi lilian

Nay bro first paragraph is correct but the rest is not relevant to your question. he is trying to show how clever he is and not simply answering the question.

a condenser is an essential part of the old ignition system that used to be used when cars had points to produce a spark at the spark plugs. the condenser is also called a capacitor in electronic terms.

when they start to fail the engine will run erratically. it is an absorber when the voltage in the coil disappears when the points open.

hence the spark at the spark plugs. an engine will not run without one .
It is a capacitor which provides a path for current in the primary ignition coil when the contact breaker is opened. Inductors (coils) try to keep the same current flowing though themselves. By providing this path it keeps the primary voltage down to a level defined by the component values rather than have it try to arc across the contact breaker to maintain current flow.
An ignition condenser is no longer used in today's cars, the condenser was mainly used in cars from pre 1975. Here is a link showing how they work and how to troubleshoot them:



http://www.ehow.com/list_5988660_signs-i鈥?/a>



good luck......
the ignition condenser protects the points from burning out. The points are mechanical switches that act as the triggering units. i think herostart is ok, u can try it. google it