Ignition Coil Nightmare: Why Does It Keep Dying on Me? Answers Revealed

Your ignition coil is a crucial component of your vehicle’s ignition system. It is responsible for converting low-voltage electrical energy from the battery into high-voltage energy that is necessary to create a spark in the spark plugs. When the ignition coil fails, your vehicle will not start or run properly.

There are a number of reasons why your ignition coil may keep failing. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common causes of ignition coil failure and provide tips on how to prevent it from happening.

Common Causes of Ignition Coil Failure

The most common causes of ignition coil failure include:

• Overheating: Ignition coils can overheat due to a number of reasons, including excessive engine temperature, electrical shorts, or a faulty cooling system. Overheating can damage the insulation on the coil’s windings, causing them to fail.
• Electrical shorts: Electrical shorts can occur between the ignition coil and other components in the ignition system, such as the spark plugs or wiring harness. These shorts can cause the coil to overheat and fail.
• Faulty cooling system: The cooling system is responsible for keeping the engine cool and preventing it from overheating. If the cooling system is not working properly, it can cause the ignition coil to overheat and fail.
• Mechanical damage: Ignition coils can be damaged by mechanical shock or vibration. This can occur if the engine is dropped or if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
• Corrosion: Corrosion can damage the terminals on the ignition coil, causing it to fail. Corrosion can be caused by exposure to moisture or salt.
• Age: Ignition coils have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. The average lifespan of an ignition coil is between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.

How to Prevent Ignition Coil Failure

There are a number of things you can do to prevent ignition coil failure, including:

• Keep your engine cool: Make sure that your engine is properly cooled by maintaining the cooling system and using the correct coolant.
• Avoid electrical shorts: Inspect the wiring harness for any damage or loose connections. Repair any shorts that you find.
• Protect the ignition coil from mechanical damage: Mount the ignition coil securely and avoid exposing it to shock or vibration.
• Prevent corrosion: Keep the terminals on the ignition coil clean and free of corrosion. Apply a dielectric grease to the terminals to protect them from corrosion.
• Replace the ignition coil regularly: Ignition coils have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. Replace the ignition coil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Symptoms of Ignition Coil Failure

The symptoms of ignition coil failure can vary depending on the severity of the failure. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Engine misfires: Ignition coil failure can cause the engine to misfire. This can result in a loss of power, rough idling, and poor fuel economy.
• Hard starting: A failing ignition coil can make it difficult to start the engine. This is because the coil is not able to provide enough voltage to the spark plugs.
• Engine stalling: Ignition coil failure can cause the engine to stall. This can happen while the vehicle is idling or driving.
• Check engine light: Ignition coil failure can trigger the check engine light. This light is a warning that there is a problem with the engine and that it needs to be serviced.

Diagnosis and Repair of Ignition Coil Failure

If you suspect that your ignition coil is failing, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem. First, check the wiring harness for any damage or loose connections. Repair any shorts that you find.

Next, use a multimeter to test the resistance of the ignition coil. The resistance should be within the manufacturer’s specifications. If the resistance is too high or too low, the ignition coil is likely faulty.

Once you have diagnosed the problem, you can replace the ignition coil. Replacing the ignition coil is a relatively simple task that can be done in a few hours.

Final Note: Ignition Coil Failure Prevention and Troubleshooting

Ignition coil failure is a common problem that can cause a number of symptoms, including engine misfires, hard starting, engine stalling, and check engine lights. By understanding the causes of ignition coil failure and following the tips in this blog post, you can prevent this problem from happening and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: What are the symptoms of ignition coil failure?

A: The symptoms of ignition coil failure can vary depending on the severity of the failure. Some of the most common symptoms include engine misfires, hard starting, engine stalling, and check engine lights.

Q: How can I prevent ignition coil failure?

A: There are a number of things you can do to prevent ignition coil failure, including keeping your engine cool, avoiding electrical shorts, protecting the ignition coil from mechanical damage, preventing corrosion, and replacing the ignition coil regularly.

Q: How can I diagnose ignition coil failure?

A: You can diagnose ignition coil failure by checking the wiring harness for any damage or loose connections, and using a multimeter to test the resistance of the ignition coil.

Q: How can I replace an ignition coil?

A: Replacing the ignition coil is a relatively simple task that can be done in a few hours. Consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions on how to replace the ignition coil.

Q: How much does it cost to replace an ignition coil?

A: The cost to replace an ignition coil will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, the average cost of an ignition coil is between $50 and $200.