The ratio of turns between the two sets of windings determines the coil's maximum output voltage. When voltage from the vehicle's battery flows through the coil to the spark plug, it ignites the fuel mixture in each cylinder.
Regardless of the type of ignition system, all coils are subjected to heat with the constant surge of power running through them. Over time, this surge of voltage and the subsequent heat generated by the process can break down the insulation between the primary and secondary windings.
When a coil-on-plug or coil pack begins to have issues, the performance of the engine will suffer due to the loss of spark in one or more cylinders. A bad coil can produce symptoms such as an engine misfiring, a reduction in miles per gallon, difficulty starting or stalling of the engine when you try to drive away. Today's vehicles have an ECU that records the sensors readings and logs the faults as well as displays the dashboard's check engine light.
Excessive heat and vibration can cause the insulating material to break down and create internal coil failure. Worn secondary ignition components such as spark plugs or wires can cause a coil work harder, require more voltage, and therefore significantly reduce the operating life of the coil. When a coil fails, it is possible the electricity created is unable to reach its destination, the spark plug. When this happens, the electricity created inside of the secondary windings looks for the path of least resistance to ground.
This path is commonly found through the boot or body of the coil. Carbon tracking happens when oil, dirt, or moisture is electrostatically attached to the boot or insulator and creates a path to ground. When carbon tracking is found, the coil and corresponding plug should be replaced. It is also possible that a failed ignition coil can cause damage to the engine computer, or ignition control module.
Aftermarket replacement coils are often engineered to prevent common pattern failures found with the original ignition coils. These improvements can include improved dielectric materials that better insulate the secondary and primary coils. Also, improvements can be made to the design of ignition control module, so the unit is able to withstand greater levels of heat and vibration.
If a coil is returned, the counter professional needs to ask the customer the reason for the return. Faulty coils may cause the vehicle to experience misfires , a rough idle , a loss in power and acceleration , and a reduction in gas mileage. In some cases the performance issues may even result in the vehicle stalling. Faulty coils can lead to engine performance issues, particularly misfires, which will trip the computer and set off the Check Engine Light.
The Check Engine Light will also be set off if the computer detects an issue with the ignition coil signal or circuit, such as when a coil burns out or shorts. A faulty ignition coil can also lead to a no-start condition. For vehicles that use a single ignition coil as the source of spark for all of the cylinders, a faulty coil will affect the operation of the entire engine. If the coil fails completely, it will leave the engine without spark, which will result in a no spark, no-start condition.
Problems with ignition coils are usually easy to detect as they produce symptoms that will be quite noticeable to the driver. This article originally appeared on YourMechanic. Autoblog is partnering with YourMechanic to bring many of the repair and maintenance services you need right to you. Get service at your home or office 7 days a week with fair and transparent pricing.
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