One of the crucial components in the car starter system is the ignition coil. It is commonly known as the spark or induction coil. Moreover, it is found on all modern spark ignition engines. Its primary purpose is to supply high voltage to the engine for the proper combustion process.
Here are the complete details on the ignition coils, their working, types and what happens when these coils are damaged.
Ignition Coil Working
The primary ignition coil functions the battery’s low voltage into the high voltage required to create an electric spark in the plugs. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders, enabling the combustion process.
When the engine’s control module sends a signal, it activates a transistor or switching device within the ignition coil. This action causes a magnetic field to form around the primary winding. The magnetic field collapses because the control module interrupts the current flow by opening the circuit. This sudden change induces a high voltage in the secondary winding through electromagnetic induction.
The ignition coils produce high voltage and transmit the signal to the spark plugs through the cables or wires. Each spark plug receives a high-voltage pulse, timed precisely to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the corresponding cylinder.
Windings in Ignition Coils
The ignition coil typically consists of two windings: the primary winding and the secondary winding. The primary winding is connected to the battery receiving the low-voltage electrical current. The secondary winding connects to the spark plugs and generates the high voltage necessary for the spark.
Types of Ignition Coil
Several types of ignition coils meet the evolving needs of automotive engines and car ignition systems. Let’s learn about the functionality of the following types:
Conventional
In this type of car ignition coil, the primary circuit receives power from the battery. It creates a magnetic field. Then, it breaks the electrical circuit. The collapse generates a force that crosses the secondary winding and produces an electric current in them.
The current then flows through the distributor cap to the spark plugs. While its design is simple, it has limitations when maintaining the spark timing.
Electronic
The electronic car ignition coils are very similar to the conventional ones. However, they use a pickup coil to send signals to the control module instead of the distributor cam and points.
Although it is more reliable, the solid-state switches use the distributor shaft to receive the signals. These shafts stop after 150,000 to 200,000 kilometres, and the gear wear causes problems in the ignition timing.
Distributor Less
The design of the distributor-less ignition system (DIS) allows more energy from multiple coils. Plus, the ignition coils in this system use a magnetic triggering device to monitor engine speed and the crankshaft position sensor to determine spark timing based on position and angles.
The crankshaft and camshaft position sensor monitors the angles and sends the information to the computer. This car computer allows the spark in the engine to start the vehicle.
Coil-on-Plug
With advancements in ignition technology, the coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system gained popularity. In this setup, each spark plug has its dedicated ignition coil directly mounted on top of it. COP systems provide individual control over each spark plug, allowing for precise ignition timing and eliminating the need for a distributor. This design offers improved performance, reduced energy loss, and enhanced reliability.
Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil
A faulty ignition coil can cause various symptoms in a vehicle. Here are the signs of malfunctioning ignition coils:
Engine Misfires
One of the causes of engine misfires is the worn-out ignition coils. Misfires occur when the ignition coil fails to deliver the necessary spark to ignite the fuel mixture in one or more cylinders.
Rough Idle
A bad ignition coil symptom is that it can cause the engine to idle roughly. You may notice that the engine shakes or vibrates more than usual when the vehicle is standstill. Moreover, it may cause the car to jerk in an idle position since the worn-out ignition coil affects the spark timing.
Difficulty Starting
If one or more ignition coils fail, starting the engine becomes challenging. You may experience prolonged cranking or multiple attempts before the engine finally starts. Furthermore, it can be a reason why a car turns over but won’t stay running.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
Ignition coil problems can lead to inefficient combustion in the engine, causing decreased fuel efficiency. If you find that your vehicle’s fuel economy has significantly dropped, it can be due to faulty ignition coils.
Engine stalling
In severe cases, a failing ignition coil can cause the engine to stall while driving. It can be dangerous, especially if it happens at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
Illuminated Check Engine Light
When the engine detects a problem with the ignition coils, it will trigger the check engine light on the dashboard. The light warns a driver that a fault has been detected in the engine or emissions system.
Ignition Coil Replacement Cost
If the ignition coils fail, you can get them replaced. An ignition coil replacement can cost AED 200 to 500.
That wraps the complete details on the ignition coils. If you buy a used car in the UAE, you must check all the components and get the car inspected before deciding to buy.
Stay tuned to the leading cars blog by dubizzle and keep learning about different auto parts, repairs and their costs.
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