Ignition coils are one of the most common parts on a car that can fail. When they do, your car will not start. Not only will you be stranded on the side of the road, but you could also be facing pricey repairs. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps necessary to replace an ignition coil on a car. We’ll also cover some factors to keep in mind when selecting a replacement coil, so that you don’t end up with another expensive repair on your hands.
What is a coil and how does it work?
A coil is a component of an ignition system in a car that uses a magnet to create an electric current. When the spark plug fires, the rapid movement of the air and fuel mixture through the engine causes the coil to heat up. This heating causes the metal around the coil to expand and create an electrical current.
How to replace an ignition coil on a car
If your car’s ignition coil has failed, you’ll need to replace it. This is a fairly simple job that can be done in just a few minutes. Here are the steps:
1. Park your car safely in a well-lit area.
2. Shut off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Disconnect the battery cable.
4. Remove the two screws that hold the cover on the coil housing and then lift off the housing.
5. Find and remove the old coil assembly from the car’s cylinder head. It should come out easily once you’ve removed the two screws holding it in place.
6. Install the new coil assembly by screwing it into place using the two screws that were removed earlier. Make sure that it’s positioned properly so that it hooks up with its counterpart on the cylinder head. Replace the cover and screw it into place, making sure to tighten both screws once again).
When should you replace an ignition coil in a car?
If you are experiencing problems starting your car, or if the engine stalls often, it is likely that your ignition coil needs to be replaced. There are a few factors to consider when deciding when to replace an ignition coil in a car. First, how long has the coil been failing? If the coil has been failing for a short amount of time, then it may be cost-effective to just replace it. However, if the coil has been failing for a longer period of time, it may be necessary to replace the entire ignition system. Second, is the engine running rough? If so, the ignition coils may not be able to supply enough power to the engine to start it properly. Finally, is the car consistently stalling? If so, it may be because of an issue with one of the spark plugs or with one of the wires going into the plug. In this case, it may be necessary to replace all of the components in the ignition system.
What are the risks of not replacing an ignition coil?
If your vehicle doesn’t start after replacing the ignition coil, it’s likely that the coil has failed. Ignition coils can also fail if they’re not replaced regularly, as they wear out and become less efficient over time. If the coil fails, it can cause a fire in the engine or even a crash.
How to install an ignition coil replacement on a car
If your car’s ignition coil is failing, you may need to replace it. Ignition coils are small, delicate components that can easily become damaged. Here’s how to install an ignition coil replacement on a car:
1. Park your car in a safe location with the engine off.
2. Remove the front bumper cover and inspect the area behind the air intake for any wiring or obstructions. If necessary, remove these obstacles before proceeding further.
3. Remove the two Phillips screws that hold the dashboard upper portion in place (one on each side). The upper portion should now be loose and can be pulled forward slightly to gain access to the insulation around the ignition coil.
4. Carefully peel back the insulation surrounding the ignition coil, being sure not to pinch or tear any of the wires connecting it to other parts of the car. Once the insulation has been removed, gently disconnect all of the wires from the coil and set them aside for later use.
5. Pry off the old ignition coil assembly from its housing by using a flat head screwdriver as a pry tool and working from top to bottom (Figure A). Be careful not to damage either part!
6. Install your new