If you’re like most drivers, your car starts up every morning without a hitch. However, if something were to happen and your car couldn’t start, you would quickly suspect the ignition coil. Unfortunately, not all ignition coils are created equal. And even if yours is working fine on paper, it may still need to be tested and diagnosed in order to ensure proper functioning. In this blog post, we will teach you how to test and diagnose an ignition coil using simple tools and a few easy steps. Armed with this information, you will be able to fix your car’s issue without any expensive repairs.
What is an Ignition Coil?
An ignition coil is a component in an automobile that helps to start the engine. It is a wire coil embedded in a metal case, and it becomes energized when the car’s key is turned. When the key is turned, the coil sends a signal to the car’s battery to turn on the engine.
How to Test an Ignition Coil
If you’re having trouble starting your car, there’s a good chance it’s due to an ignition coil. This small metal part sits beneath the key and sparks the fuel/air mixture into the engine to start it. If it’s not working right, your car won’t start. Here’s how to test an ignition coil:
1. Remove the battery cable if you have one.
2. Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
3. Connect one end of a jumper cable between the coil and ground (a metal part of your car).
4. Connect the other end of the jumper cable to the positive terminal on your battery. Do not connect both cables together yet!
5. Turn your car on and wait until it starts. If it doesn’t start, check to see if the coil is getting spark from the key turning it. If not, check for any broken wires or connections in your coil and replace as necessary
How to Diagnose an Ignition Coil
One of the most common car problems is a bad ignition coil. This can cause poor engine performance, loss of power, and even prevent the car from starting. The following guide will help you diagnose an ignition coil problem and test it if necessary.
If your car won’t start, the first thing to do is check the battery. If it’s fully charged and the lights work, then the problem may be with the ignition switch or wiring. If you have a voltage tester, you can also check for broken wires in the system.
If you don’t have a voltage tester, or if your car only has one spark plug, you’ll need to use a key to start it. If it starts but won’t stay running, then your ignition coil may be defective. To test the coil, turn your car off and disconnect all of the electrical connectors except for one (the ground). Connect one lead from a battery-tester voltmeter to this connector and hold down the button on top while turning the key to start your car. Once it starts running, release the button and measure how much voltage is present at this connector (usually around 12 volts). Compare this number to what’s listed on your car’s service manual
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing issues with your car’s ignition coil, it’s important to diagnose and test the coil. This guide will outline the steps you need to take in order to do this. If the issue is with the coil, then you’ll likely be able to fix it yourself; however, if the problem is elsewhere in your ignition system, then a repair may be necessary. Be sure to consult a mechanic if you are unsure about how to go about testing or diagnosing your own car’s ignition coil.