Cars are a complex constitution of components that work together for a smooth driving experience. Each component is carefully designed, be it the engine or the transmission, to meet certain performance criteria. One important car component is the ignition coil which helps initiate the combustion process by providing the necessary voltage required to create a spark.
However, with a failing ignition coil, the combustion process won’t initiate as a result the engine won’t start and the car would be immobile. So let’s learn all about the signs of a bad ignition coil in detail so that you may identify the problem early for timely maintenance.
What Is the Function of an Ignition Coil?
When the air and fuel mixture burns in the combustion chamber, heat energy is generated that powers the engine. To burn the mixture, spark plugs cause an electric spark that is generated by the ignition coil using high voltage from the battery.
The ignition coil is itself made up of several components. It consists of two windings which are enclosed in a housing of plastic or some other non-conductive material. Also, it contains a set of contacts for breaking and making the electrical connection with the battery. When the contacts open, the magnetic field around the core of the ignition coil collapses to create a high voltage. This high voltage of the ignition system is what sparks the engine’s combustion process.
That said, if the ignition coil becomes faulty it can greatly impact the car’s performance. Let’s now dive into the signs of a bad ignition coil to nip the issue in the bud.
What Are the Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Coil?
For optimal car performance, you need ignition coils to function properly. For that reason, watching for the signs of a bad ignition coil is important. Here we have comprehensively discussed the faulty coil ignition symptoms.
Check engine light activates
A faulty ignition coil can trigger the check engine light and activate it. If you see the check engine light illuminated on the car dashboard, it’s important to have it checked by a mechanic to determine the cause.
The ‘P0351’ code detected on an OBD scanner can verify the issue related to a bad ignition coil. This code can be different among different cars, therefore, getting it checked by an auto expert is the ideal choice.
Engine misfiring
One of the common ignition coil failure causes is faulty spark plugs which results in engine misfiring. Misfires occur when the spark plugs fail to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the engine’s combustion chamber. This can be a result of bad spark plugs which can cause the engine to run roughly or lose power.
Poor fuel economy
A bad ignition coil can cause the car engine to run less efficiently, which can lead to poor fuel economy. If you notice that you are getting fewer miles than usual, it could be a sign of ignition coil failure.
Hard car starts
A typical sign of ignition coil failure is a hard car start. This is usually caused when the spark plug does not get the right voltage from the ignition coil.
If you find that the engine cranks but does not start, or if it takes several attempts to get the engine started, it could be a sign of a bad ignition coil.
Sluggish acceleration
One of the bad ignition coil symptoms is sluggish acceleration. You may also experience that your car shakes when starting then dies or a rough feel or sound upon the car idling when the ignition coil starts to fail.
Car backfiring
Backfiring occurs when the engine’s fuel and air mixture ignites outside of the combustion chamber. This can cause irregular car sounds such as loud knocking or banging noises because the unburned fuel escapes out of the exhaust system.
A bad ignition coil can cause backfiring, which can be a sign of imminent coil failure. If not treated timely, backfiring can lead to significant engine damage.
FAQs
Where is the ignition coil located in a car?
The location of an ignition coil varies with the make and model of a car. In older cars with a distributor-based ignition system, the coil is located in the distributor housing. Whereas, in the distributor-less ignition system (DIS) or coil-on-plug (COP) systems of a modern car, the ignition coil is located near or on each spark plug.
What causes an ignition coil to fail?
Ignition coils tend to wear over time, due to heat and vibrations from the engine, so their performance degrades. Most vehicles can travel up to 100,000 miles before requiring ignition coil replacement. Moreover, a faulty ignition coil is one of the bad spark plugs symptoms. Among the bad ignition coil causes, one is the the provision of either a rich or lean fuel and air ratio in the combustion chamber.
That is all about the signs of a bad ignition coil. The complexity of the ignition coil and other car components highlight their intricate nature for optimal performance. For that reason, it is important to follow the car maintenance checklist and ensure timely maintenance for optimal performance.
However, if your car has undergone irreparable damage and the repair is far pricier, it is better to switch to another one. Browse these used cars for sale in the UAE to find your ideal ride.
Stay connected with dubizzle’s car blog for more information on car parts and accessories.
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