Building on our recent What does an Ignition Coil do? TecTalk, this latest bulletin highlights the key symptoms of a failing ignition coil, to help technicians diagnose errors more efficiently, prevent misfires and maintain peak engine performance.
Here are five key indicators that your ignition coil may be on its way out:
- Trouble Starting the Engine
If your vehicle struggles to start or won’t start at all, the ignition coil could be to blame. A faulty coil may not generate enough voltage to produce a spark, meaning the air-fuel mixture in the engine won’t ignite properly. - Sluggish Performance and Hesitation
A weak ignition coil often results in a weak spark, especially under load. This can lead to hesitation when accelerating, reduced engine power, and an overall sluggish driving experience. - Poor Fuel Efficiency
When combustion isn’t happening efficiently, fuel is wasted. A failing ignition coil can cause incomplete combustion, which means you’ll likely notice a drop in miles per gallon and more frequent trips to the pump. - Warning Lights and Fault Codes
Modern vehicles are equipped with engine control units (ECUs) that monitor performance. Misfires or ignition coil circuit faults are often detected automatically, triggering a warning light on the dashboard. If this appears, it’s worth investigating promptly. - Rough Running Engine
An inconsistent or weak spark can cause the engine to run unevenly, particularly at low speeds or idle. You may notice vibrations, misfires, or a generally rough engine feel.
Speak to your Area Sales Manager for more information about Motaquip’s ignition coils.
Click the feature link below to download a copy of this TecTalk.
