Seven Signs Your Ignition Coil Is Bad

You will learn about the ignition coil's fundamental operations and signs of a malfunctioning ignition coil from the discussion in this page.

How Ignition Coils Operate

Electrical compact transformers are also referred to as ignition coils. They serve the function of converting the low 12-volt current typically present in automobile batteries into a considerably greater voltage required to spark the fuel and start the engine.

In a vehicle, each spark plug comes with its own ignition coil. Either the coil is placed on top of the spark plug without requiring wires, or it is physically attached to the spark plug by wires.

The spark plugsneed between 15,000 and 20,000 volts of power to generate an electric spark that can ignite the fuel. Weak ignition coils can lead to engine misfires or poor fuel efficiency. If so, look for car garages in Reading online and make an appointment for your vehicle with a qualified mechanic. Any damaged components will be replaced or fixed once the mechanic thoroughly analyses the issue.

It's critical to keep in mind that a battery with unusually low or high voltage might also contribute to a faulty ignition coil. This will also cause a variety of additional problems with the car, many of which can be fixed by changing the battery.

Many of the batteries present in older vehicles can simply degrade with time, and one indication of a damaged battery is if it doesn't read at least 12.65 Volts when completely charged, you can be sure the battery has problems.

To be on the safe side and avoid spending money on replacement components that might not be necessary, you should search online for garages in Reading and leave the inspection and suggestions of problematic part replacements or repairs to a competent mechanic.

Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil

If a car behaves erratically and provides its driver some difficulties when driving smoothly, it may be an indication that an ignition coil has failed. Before your next MOT test is planned, check MOT status of your vehicle and have your mechanic fix the malfunctioning ignition coil issue because it could lead to a failed emissions test.

Depending on how severely the ignition coil has failed, the symptoms of a failed or weak ignition coil can change. The most typical indications of a malfunctioning ignition coil are listed below:

1.Backfiring - Backfiring brought on by your car can reveal early signs of ignition coil failure. When the engine's combustion cylinders run out of fuel, it backfires, and the fuel escapes through the exhaust pipe. If this issue is not fixed, it may necessitate expensive repairs. Typically, the exhaust pipe will begin to emit a black smoke when there is a backfiring issue. Another sign that the ignition coil has failed is the smell of gasoline in the smoke. To find out if this was the cause of a previous MOT test failing, check MOT history.

2.Poor Fuel Economy - This is another indication of a malfunctioning ignition coil. It may indicate an ignition coil failure if your car is producing considerably reduced mileage than it did previously.

3.Engine Misfiring - A car with faulty ignition coils would develop engine misfiring. Such a vehicle's engine will misfire when it is tried to start, making an audible coughing and sputtering noise. When travelling at a high speed, the car will exhibit jerking and spitting behaviours. When a car is idling at a stoplight or stop sign, an ignition coil failure will also cause vibration.

4.Vehicle Stalling - A failing ignition coil can also cause a vehicle to stall. The sparks that the malfunctioning coil sends to the spark plugs can cause this to happen. When brought to a stop, your car can entirely switch off, leaving you with the hassle of hoping it will restart.

5.Engine Jerking, Harsh Idling and Reduced Power - These are other symptoms. The engine may also jerk and hesitate when accelerating. When driving, it will seem like your car lacks some power.

6.Check Engine Light On - The check engine light in your dash will frequently come on. When using an vehicle diagnostic tool, engine code P0351 (Ignition Coil - Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction) is most frequently what is displayed. The simplest approach to diagnose a coil problem is probably by scanning for the error code, so if you notice the check engine light, get your scan tool if you have one or have a car service and repair garage confirm this.

7.Hard Starting of the Engine - If your car has a single coil, this symptom will likely manifest itself as a hard starting engine. Because there won't be any sparks in the cylinders if the coil is malfunctioning, the engine won't start. Periodically, it can begin and immediately end.