You’re driving down the highway when suddenly your car starts sputtering and shaking. Uh oh, this can’t be good. But before you panic, take a deep breath. Your car’s ignition coils are probably the culprit. Don’t worry, with a little knowledge about how these unsung heroes work, you’ll be back on the road in no time. Ignition coils are responsible for providing the high voltage spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. Without them, your engine wouldn’t run at all! In this article, we’ll explore what exactly ignition coils do, the symptoms of bad coils, and how to test and replace them so you can get your ride running smoothly again.
What Are Ignition Coils and How Do They Work?
Ignition coils are responsible for generating the high voltage needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. Each coil pack powers a set of spark plugs. When the coils receive a signal from the vehicle’s computer, they convert the 12V power from your battery into the 20,000V or more needed to jump the gap in the spark plugs.
Generating High Voltage
Inside each ignition coil are two coils of wire wrapped around an iron core—a primary coil with a few turns of thick wire, and a secondary coil with thousands of turns of thin wire. When the vehicle’s computer signals the ignition coil to fire, current flows through the primary coil. This creates a magnetic field that induces a high-voltage current in the secondary coil. The secondary current then flows to the spark plugs, igniting the fuel-air mixture.
One Coil, Multiple Plugs
Many modern vehicles use coil-on-plug ignition coils that sit directly on top of each spark plug. But some vehicles have one coil that powers two, three, or four spark plugs. In these systems, the high-voltage current from the coil is distributed to the proper spark plugs at the right time using a distributor. The distributor contains a rotor that spins, connecting each spark plug to the coil in the proper sequence based on the engine’s firing order.
Signs of Bad Coils
faulty or failing ignition coil often causes your vehicle to shake or stumble during acceleration. You may also notice misfires, power loss, poor fuel economy, or trouble starting the engine. If you experience these issues, have the ignition coils tested. Replacing bad coils is often an easy fix to get your vehicle running smoothly again.
Ignition Coil Failure: Symptoms and Causes
If your ignition coils are on the fritz, you’ll definitely notice some problems with your vehicle’s performance.
Rough Idling
Your engine may shake, sputter or misfire when idling. This happens because the ignition coils aren’t producing a strong enough spark to properly ignite the fuel in each cylinder.
Loss of Power
When you step on the gas, you expect a burst of power. Faulty ignition coils won’t deliver, leaving you with a lack of acceleration. You may also notice the vehicle hesitating or jerking when trying to speed up.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light comes on to warn you when the vehicle’s computer detects issues with the ignition system. Have the code scanned to determine which coil may need replacement.
Foul Smell from Exhaust
Malfunctioning ignition coils can lead to fuel not combusting fully, resulting in a rotten egg-like smell from the exhaust.
There are a few common reasons why ignition coils fail:
• Age and heat damage: Ignition coils naturally degrade over time and exposure to high engine temperatures. Most last 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
• Moisture buildup: Excess moisture in the ignition coil casing can short it out. This is more likely in very humid weather or if there are any cracks in the casing.
• Faulty spark plugs: Bad spark plugs place extra strain on the ignition coils, accelerating their failure. It’s best to replace spark plugs and ignition coils at the same time.
• Voltage overload: An overcharging alternator can send too much voltage to the ignition coils, damaging them. Have your alternator checked if new ignition coils fail quickly.
Early diagnosis and repair of bad ignition coils is key to avoiding misfires, power loss, and other engine issues. With a little tune up, your vehicle will be running as good as new in no time.
Replacing Your Ignition Coils: DIY or Mechanic?
When your ignition coils start to fail, your vehicle will show some telltale signs like rough idling, misfires, loss of power, and trouble starting. At this point, you’ll need to decide whether replacing the ignitioncoils yourself or taking it into the shop is the best option for you.
Do It Yourself
If you’re mechanically inclined and comfortable working under the hood of your car, replacing ignition coils can be a straightforward DIY job. You’ll need a basic socket set, coil tester or multimeter, and replacement coils specific to your vehicle’s make and model. Locate the coils—they’ll be attached to or near the spark plugs. Test the coils to confirm which ones need replacing. Then it’s just a matter of unplugging the bad coils, removing a few bolts, and plugging in the new coils. Double check that everything is connected properly and start your car to ensure the new coils are working. The whole job should take around an hour for an amateur mechanic.
Take it to the Pros
If the thought of poking around under your hood makes you nervous, it’s best to take your car to a trusted local mechanic. They have the proper training, tools, and experience to diagnose and replace your bad ignitioncoils efficiently. They can also test other components like the spark plugs, wiring, and engine sensors to ensure everything is in working order for the best performance and fuel efficiency. While more expensive than doing it yourself, you have the peace of mind knowing the job was done properly by a professional.
In the end, consider your own skill level and available time to determine whether replacing your ignition coils is a DIY task or better left to the experts. When done right, new ignitioncoils will have your vehicle running smoothly again in no time.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Ignition coils are an important but often Auto Parts Outlet of your car’s ignition system. They may seem mysterious, sitting there under the hood doing their job without any moving parts. But now you know they play a crucial role in generating the high voltage needed to create a spark and ignite the fuel in your engine. Treat your ignitioncoils right, and they’ll keep delivering those all-important sparks to keep you moving down the road. With a basic understanding of how they work, you can troubleshoot ignition coil issues if they come up. And you’ll know when it’s time to replace them so you can keep your ride’s engine sparking properly. Pretty cool for an under-appreciated little component!
