Back to top Ignition

The responsibility of the ignition system is to deliver a spark at the precise moment during the combustion process. When most vehicles are cruising down the highway at 65 MPH, the 6-cylinder distributor-less engine is rotating at approximately 2,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). Every cylinder must fire more than 5 times per second and each coil fires more than 10 times per second. The ignition control module (ICM) triggers more than 30 times per second at 2000 RPM. This is just the beginning. The crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor must remain synchronized so the Powertrain Control Module can make accurate calculations to tell the ICM the precise moment to fire each spark plug. Every ICM we manufacture is done in Wisconsin, in our state-of the-art electronics facility.

Back to top Fuel Systems

Fuel injection systems deliver carefully controlled amounts of fuel and air to the engine cylinders to keep them running at optimum efficiency. In 1966, the first electronic fuel system was born in Great Britain. Prior to and for many years after the fuel system of choice by most major auto manufacturers was a carbureted system. Carbureted systems produce less horsepower, need more maintenance, and produce more emissions than a fuel injection system. Today's fuel systems utilize electronic computer-driven fuel injection across the board.

Back to top Wire & Cable

Ignition wires deliver the high voltage produced by the coil(s) to each spark plug. However, they are not the only wire utilized on a vehicle. Today's vehicles have several on-board computers that are multiplexed together to form an intricate web of primary wire. They also have sophisticated battery cables, ground straps, and fusible links that deliver the voltage and high amperage necessary to start the engine.

Back to top Emissions

Incomplete burning of the combustion chamber's air and fuel mixture is the primary reason for high emissions. In 1963, the first Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system was incorporated on a vehicle. PCV valves route gases back to combustion chambers for further combustion. Next to be incorporated was the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve in 1972. Exhaust gas is recirculated to reduce the formation of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). NOx is created when cylinder combustion temperatures reach above 2500 F. By recirculating exhaust gases, the cylinder temperatures remain cooler. Today, emission standards have become increasingly more stringent. Since 1996, every vehicle sold in the United States was mandated to meet On-Board Diagnostic II standards (OBDII). OBDII systems included a monitoring system to ensure the vehicle never exceeds 1.5 times the Environmental Protection Agency standards without a driver alert warning.

Back to top Switches

In the beginning years of the 20th century, if you were fortunate enough to have electric headlights on your vehicle, all you needed was one rocker switch to turn them on. Today, late model vehicles come equipped with an ever-increasing number of options and accessories. These added accommodations require intricate switches to operate the expanding number of functions. Airtex has the switch you need, when you need it. Every Airtex switch is engineered and tested to meet or exceed OE specifications in form, fit, and function. In fact, many of our switches have new design and technology enhancing their performance, longevity, and output.

Back to top Sensors

In the 70's and 80's the Environmental Protection Agency for the first time began mandating stricter emission standards. Vehicle manufacturers responded by making engines run more efficiently. This was accomplished by integrating an on-board computer system to make fast and accurate adjustments to the fuel and ignition systems. Sensors provide instantaneous data to the vehicle's on-board computers to make adjustments for the ever-changing environment to which a vehicle is subjected. This data updates brake, fuel, ignition, cooling, engine, steering, and transmission systems, and more. Every Airtex sensor is engineered and tested to meet or exceed OE specifications. In fact, many of our sensors have new design and technology enhancing their performance, longevity, and output.

Back to top Starting/Charging

Almost without thought, most of us get into our vehicles, turn the key to the start position, and expect the engine to immediately run. Since 1911, when the first starter was factory-installed on a production vehicle, this has been the case. Today, the starting and charging systems are taken for granted until something fails. When something in the starting or charging systems fails, Airtex is right there to supply you with quality components needed to get you back on the road. We have high quality Voltage Regulators, Starter Solenoids, Relays, Neutral Safety Switches, and many more components you demand.