This minicourse was prepared for use with secondary physics students in the Dallas Independent School District and is one option in a physics program which provides for the selection of topics on the basis of student career needs and interests. This minicourse was aimed at providing the student with a basic understanding of the construction and operation of the ignition system of an automobile. The minicourse was designed for independent student use with close teacher supervision and was developed as an ESEA Title III project. A rationale, behavioral objectives, student activities, and resource packages are included. Student activities and resource packages involve studying the fundamentals of electricity and magnetism, investigating electromagnetism, constructing a battery, and examining the construction and operation of a generator, voltage regulator, ignition coil, distributor, condenser, and spark plug. (GS)