A multi-function key system and method is provided that includes key identification system, a first key, and a second key. The multi-function key system is in communication with an item of power equipment, and comprises first and second sensors for detecting magnetic fields. The first key is configured to interact with the key identification system, the first key comprises a first magnet generating a first magnetic field. The second key is configured to interact with the key identification system. The second key comprises a second magnet generating a second magnetic field. Wherein the first and second sensors differentiate between the first and second key based upon the first and second magnetic fields. The key identification system initiates a first functionality of the power equipment responsive to identifying the first key, and initiates a second functionality of the power equipment responsive to identifying the second key.

An integrated ignition and electronic auto-choke module for an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine including the same. In one aspect, the module includes a housing that is configured to be mounted to an engine block of an internal combustion engine. The housing may contain at least a portion of a first temperature sensor that measures a first temperature indicative of an engine temperature. The housing may also contain a controller and at least a portion of an ignition circuit. The controller may be coupled to the first temperature sensor and configured to determine a starting position of a choke valve based on the first temperature and operate an actuator to move the choke valve into the starting position accordingly.

A failure diagnosis device for an ignition circuit, comprising: an ignition plug; an ignition coil; a capacitor series connection including a high side capacitor and a low side capacitor; a switching-element series connection including a high side switching element and a low side switching element; an inter-terminal voltage detection unit for detecting an inter-terminal voltage of the capacitor series connection; an intermediate voltage detection unit for detecting an intermediate voltage at the connection point of the high side capacitor and the low side capacitor; and a determination unit for determining a failure location of the ignition circuit based on at least one of the inter-terminal voltage and the intermediate voltage.

An ignition system includes a primary coil, a secondary coil, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a diode, and a switch control section. In the primary coil, a power supply is connected to a contact point between a first winding and a second winding. The secondary coil is magnetically coupled to the primary coil. The first switch is connected in series with the first winding. The second switch is connected in series with the second winding on the opposite side from the contact point. The third switch is connected in series with the second switch. The diode includes an anode connected between the second switch and the third switch and a cathode connected to the contact point. The switch control section controls opening and closing of each switch.

An outboard motor having an idling stop function, which includes a starter motor configured to start up an engine, a capacitor configured to serve as a power source of the starter motor, a restarting circuit that includes a restart switch configured to activate the starter motor by electric power supplied from the capacitor in conjunction with a shift lever directly operated by a ship operator at a time of restarting after idling stop, a changeover switch configured to switch to an idling stop mode that enables the restarting circuit, and an engine control device configured to control shifting to the idling stop in the idling stop mode. The capacitor is disposed in an engine compartment of the outboard motor.

In at least some implementations, an ignition system for a combustion engine includes a controller, an ignition circuit, and a wire providing two-way communication between the ignition circuit and the controller. The ignition circuit may include a charge capacitor that is discharged to cause an ignition event. The ignition circuit may be an inductive discharge ignition circuit including a coil and may then also include a second wire that provides electrical power to the coil.

An ignition system for an internal combustion engine that utilizes a single primary coil and a single secondary coil to drive a pair of spark plugs. Current flowing in both a first direction and a second direction passes through the primary coil. The current flowing through the primary coil induces corresponding current in the secondary coil, which flows from the secondary coil to one of two spark plugs. Each spark plug is coupled to the secondary coil such that each of the two spark plugs receives current flowing only in a single direction. The current flowing through the ignition system can be from either a power source or created by the rotation of a flywheel having a series of magnet clusters.

The control device includes a microcomputer which controls operation of the internal combustion engine, a power regulator which outputs a direct current regulated voltage regulated from electric power of the AC generator, a 5V regulator which receives an output from the power regulator and supplies it to the microcomputer; a first capacitor with a small capacity connected to an output of the power regulator, plural second capacitors connected in parallel with the first capacitor; and plural opening and closing means connected in series to the plural second capacitors, respectively. The opening and closing means are controlled to be opened and closed by the microcomputer so that the second capacitors are charged when the output of the power regulator has reached an ON voltage below the regulated voltage.

In at least some implementations, an ignition system for a combustion engine includes analog circuit components arranged to control ignition events at an engine speed below a first threshold of engine speed and a microprocessor to control ignition events at engine speeds higher than the first threshold. Hence, ignition can be controlled at lower engine cranking speeds to facilitate starting the engine at lower engine rotational speeds.

Provided is a stroke determination device which detects a secondary output from an ignition coil without using a high breakdown voltage element, and is capable of accurately establishing the stroke being carried out during an ignition operation of a four-stroke engine from the waveform of the detected secondary output. In the present invention, a secondary coil of an ignition coil is constituted from a first coil portion, and a second coil portion wound so as to have fewer windings than does the first coil portion and connected in series to the first coil portion. A tap is drawn out from a boundary part between both coil portions, the voltage at both ends of the second coil portion or the current flowing through the second coil portion is detected through the tap, and a parameter to be used in stroke determination is detected from the waveform of the detected voltage or current.