How to Repair a Car with Bad Ignition Coils
As a car owner, I've had my fair share of car troubles over the years, but one experience really stands out when it comes to car repairs. It was a few years ago when my car started stalling randomly, making it nearly impossible to drive. I would start the car, and it would sputter, shake, and sometimes just shut off entirely. After several visits to the mechanic, the diagnosis was clear: my ignition coils were going bad. I was surprised at how much a small component like the ignition coil could affect my vehicle’s performance. However, once I started to understand the problem, I quickly realized how crucial this part is for my car’s ignition system. In this article, I’ll walk you through what ignition coils are, how to diagnose when they’re bad, and how you can repair or replace them to get your car running smoothly again.
J&J Auto Repair
2879 Lockbourne Rd, Columbus, OH 43207, USA
1. What Are Ignition Coils and Why Are They Important?
Ignition coils are a critical part of your car’s ignition system. They convert the 12 volts from your car’s battery into a much higher voltage, usually between 12,000 and 45,000 volts, which is needed to ignite the fuel in your car’s engine. Without a properly functioning ignition coil, your engine won’t start, or it will run poorly. This is because the spark plug, which relies on the energy provided by the ignition coil, won’t fire effectively. In my case, the misfiring was causing the stalling and rough idle. Ignition coils are generally designed to last a long time, but they can wear out due to factors such as age, heat, and electrical issues.
Lopez Auto Repair
1290 W Mound St, Columbus, OH 43223, USA
2. Symptoms of Bad Ignition Coils
When my car started showing signs of trouble, I didn't immediately suspect the ignition coils. At first, I thought it might be a simple problem, but as the symptoms continued, I realized it was more serious. If your car’s ignition coils are bad, you may notice several symptoms. Here are some of the most common signs to look out for:
- Engine misfires: If the ignition coil is failing, it may cause the engine to misfire. This is often noticeable when you're idling or accelerating.
- Stalling: A bad ignition coil can cause your engine to stall, especially if it's under load or during idle. This was the issue I had on several occasions.
- Check engine light: The check engine light is often triggered by misfires caused by faulty ignition coils. In some cases, the car’s computer will store a trouble code related to the coils.
- Poor acceleration: If your car struggles to accelerate or feels sluggish, it could be due to weak or failing ignition coils.
- Fuel consumption: A malfunctioning ignition coil can lead to inefficient fuel combustion, which could result in poor fuel economy.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to diagnose the issue sooner rather than later to avoid further damage to the engine. In my case, once I noticed the car misfiring and stalling, I took the vehicle to the mechanic who confirmed that the ignition coils were the problem.
3. Diagnosing Faulty Ignition Coils
Diagnosing faulty ignition coils can be tricky, especially if you don't have much experience with car repairs. However, I learned that it's relatively easy to check if the ignition coils are to blame. One way to diagnose a bad ignition coil is to use an OBD-II scanner. This tool can plug into your car’s diagnostic port and provide error codes that will indicate which cylinder or coil is malfunctioning. In my case, the mechanic used an OBD-II scanner and found that the coil on one of the cylinders was faulty.
Another method is a simple visual inspection. You can check the ignition coils for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, burns, or oil leakage. I found that one of my coils had a crack on the top, which was letting moisture in and affecting its performance.
If you’re comfortable with car repairs, you can also perform a resistance test using a multimeter to check the coil’s electrical resistance. This can tell you whether the coil is operating within the proper range or if it’s faulty. If the coil shows no resistance or very high resistance, it’s likely defective.
4. Replacing the Ignition Coils
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, replacing the ignition coils is relatively straightforward, and it's a repair that many car owners can do themselves. In my case, I decided to replace the ignition coils on my own because I wanted to save on labor costs. Here’s how I did it:
- Step 1: Disconnect the battery. This is an important safety measure to ensure there are no electrical issues while working on the ignition system.
- Step 2: Locate the ignition coils. The coils are typically located near the engine’s valve cover, attached to each spark plug. In some cars, they might be connected to the spark plugs with a wire harness.
- Step 3: Remove the old ignition coils. Carefully disconnect the electrical connector and any screws or bolts holding the coil in place. Gently lift the old coil out.
- Step 4: Install the new ignition coils. Place the new coil in the same position as the old one and secure it with the bolts or screws. Reconnect the electrical connector.
- Step 5: Reconnect the battery and start the engine. Check for smooth operation and listen for any misfires or odd noises. If the engine runs smoothly, the job is complete!
In my experience, the replacement was fairly simple, but it’s always a good idea to consult your car’s manual or a professional mechanic if you’re unsure. If you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, hiring a professional mechanic is a good option, and they can usually complete the job quickly.
5. Cost of Replacing Ignition Coils
Replacing ignition coils can be expensive, depending on your car’s make and model. On average, the cost for parts and labor to replace the ignition coils can range from $200 to $600. The price of the parts will vary, with some ignition coils costing around $50 to $150 each. If you're replacing multiple coils, the cost will increase accordingly.
In my case, the total cost of replacing the ignition coils was about $450, which included the price of the parts and labor. While it wasn’t cheap, I felt it was a worthwhile investment since it resolved the stalling issue and improved the performance of my car.
If you're doing the replacement yourself, you can save a lot on labor costs, as the only expenses will be for the parts and any tools you may need. It's always a good idea to shop around for the best prices on ignition coils, and some auto parts stores may offer discounts or warranties on the parts.
6. Preventing Ignition Coil Failure
As with most car repairs, prevention is the best way to save yourself from costly repairs in the future. After my experience with the faulty ignition coils, I learned that regular maintenance and care can help prevent ignition coil failure. Here are some tips that I follow now:
- Regular tune-ups: Keeping up with regular maintenance, including spark plug changes and routine engine checks, can help reduce the strain on your ignition coils and prevent premature failure.
- Use high-quality fuel: Using the right type of fuel for your car can help keep the ignition system running smoothly. Poor quality fuel can cause carbon buildup and stress on the coils.
- Keep your engine cool: Ignition coils can overheat, especially if the engine temperature is high. Maintaining proper cooling and checking for leaks or issues in the radiator can help protect the coils.
By following these preventative measures, I’ve been able to keep my ignition coils in good condition and avoid any further problems. Regular care goes a long way in extending the lifespan of these components.
7. When to Seek Professional Help
While replacing ignition coils is a relatively simple task, there are instances where it’s best to leave the repair to the professionals. If you’re unsure about diagnosing the problem or performing the repair yourself, I recommend seeking the help of a qualified mechanic. A mechanic will have the right tools and expertise to handle the issue efficiently and safely.
If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road with a car that’s misfiring or won’t start due to bad ignition coils, don’t hesitate to call a tow service. For assistance, Rescue & Towing can provide fast and reliable towing services to get you to the nearest repair shop.
