The engine dramatically depends on the ignition coil. This part’s malfunctions can immediately impact how the engine runs.
It’s crucial to identify the problem and address it right away. In this article, we’ll go through how to change an ignition coil and what parts need extra care.
The engine’s ignition coil and how it works
The ignition coil acts as a transformer inside the car and ignites the fuel.
It supplies the required high voltage, which starts the combustion process by conducting it through the ignition cables to the spark plugs.
The engine’s ignition coil count varies depending on the car’s model and maker.
One ignition coil, for instance, is frequently in charge of two or even just one cylinder in modern vehicles. This makes it much more challenging to spot a bad coil.
What goes into making an ignition coil
Two wires are coiled in two distinct ways around a laminated iron core to create an ignition coil.
An electromagnetic field forms in the ignition coil when an electric current passes between the primary and secondary windings.
This will produce the desired high ignition voltage of about 30,000 volts. This procedure cannot be continued if the coil is damaged.
As a result, the coil-actuated spark plugs cannot ignite the fuel since the necessary ignition voltage is no longer obtained.
Symptoms of a defective ignition coil
It can be challenging to locate an ignition coil that is broken. However, there are a variety of indications that specific engine ignition coils may be defective.
These consist of the following signs:
- The vehicle does not start correctly. This indicates that ignition doesn’t frequently happen on the initial try.
- The engine runs poorly and makes strange noises. Check the engine noises frequently for variations.
- On the dashboard, the check engine or engine warning light illuminates.
Does an ignition coil deteriorate for what reasons?
Coils for the ignition are another component of a car’s worn parts. The spark plugs become worn and damaged due to frequent use and resistance.
The likelihood of an ignition coil malfunction increases with the number of kilometers the vehicle has been driven.
But long-term damage and subsequent failure can also be brought on by a poor power supply or dampness.
Change in a workshop or at home?
In most cases, replacing the ignition coil does not need taking the car to a shop. The choice is yours because replacement ignition coils often don’t take much time and are typically simple to access.
Even a garage cannot overcharge for this service. You can drastically lower the costs if you carry a backup ignition coil. If you’re willing to take the risk, replacing the part yourself can help you save some money.
Step-by-step ignition coil replacement
Manufacturers may have different replacement procedures. All manufacturers and models, however, follow the same fundamental procedures. Just adhere to these guidelines.
If you’re working on the car’s electrical system, you should always disconnect the battery from the power circuit.
Motor cover removed: The motor cover has now been removed. Special tools could be necessary depending on the type of vehicle.
To remove the ignition coil wires, follow these steps. Label the cables or snap a photo of the ignition coil’s wire arrangement.
To remove the ignition coil, you must first unscrew it.
Re-join the wires. Verify the wires’ location. Pay close attention to how the cables are set up on the ignition coil.
- Verify engine performance
- The engine ought to fire up right away and operate considerably more smoothly. You should be able to tell whether all cylinders start and whether the change was effective by listening to the sound.
Keep the following in mind when replacing the ignition coil:
Even though replacing the ignition coil may appear extremely easy and basic, you should be aware of the following:
Always (!) unplug the battery when working on the vehicle’s electronic system.
The spark plugs, ignition distributor, and batteries are all connected to the ignition coils.
The batteries, the ignition distributor, and the spark plugs are all connected to the ignition coils. Mark each contact with great care.
Due to the inability to ignite the gasoline-air mixture, connection issues might cause cylinder misfiring. The ring cannot be replaced in such a situation.
Use the opportunity to label the wire connections or take images of the ignition coil while it is still mounted and wired. In this manner, confusion will be avoided.
Important: Ignition coils do not have to be replaced simultaneously when checked. The rings are simpler to change individually than spark plugs.
However, this does not hold true if your car’s automaker is already aware of known issues. It seems reasonable to replace all ignition coils to prevent having to fix the additional problems.
You must factor the cost of the ignition coil into these prices.
The ignition coils are not pricey in and of themselves. An ignition coil replacement might cost anywhere from 60$ to 180$, depending on the car and manufacturer.
The replacement expenses would still be within acceptable bounds even if they were all replaced.
This is primarily because expensive ignition coils are frequently employed for many cylinders at once, which lowers the overall system coil count. The prices of visiting the workshop are also very affordable.
The labor rates in the various workshops typically range from 60 to 150 dollars. An economic visit to the workshop is acceptable if you don’t want to or cannot change the ignition coil yourself.
