Of all the things that go wrong with cars, an ignition coil is one of the most common. If your car won’t start, it’s likely because of a faulty coil. In this blog post, we will explore what an ignition coil does and how to diagnose and fix it if it’s broken.
What is an Ignition Coil?
An ignition coil is a component of an engine that helps to start the engine. It is made up of several coils of wire that are tightly wrapped around a metal core. When the key is turned, these coils create a magnetic field that activates the spark plugs.
How Does a Ignition Coil Work in a Car?
The ignition coil in a car is responsible for igniting the fuel in the cylinders, starting the engine. The coil is made up of several wires that are closely wrapped around a metal core. When current is passed through the coil, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the electrons from the battery. These electrons are then ionized and accelerated, allowing them to collide with the gas molecules in the air and create sparks that ignite the fuel.
When to Replace an Ignition Coil in a Car
Many people believe that an ignition coil in a car is simply a spark plug. While this is mostly true, the coil actually helps to start the engine by creating a high-voltage spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder. When it comes time to replace your ignition coil, there are several things you should keep in mind. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Make sure your car has a functional CEL (Check Engine Light). If it does not, your Coil may be bad and need to be replaced.
2. Check for any codes associated with the Coil such as P0441 or P1471 which would indicate that it needs to be replaced.
3. Measure resistance across each wire of the Coil (using an Ohmmeter) – if it is low, then it likely needs to be replaced.
4. Compare prices online and compare between brands – sometimes one brand will have a lower price than another, but may not have the same quality standards as another brand.
Conclusion
If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t really know what an ignition coil does in a car. In short, it helps to start the engine by providing a spark to the cylinders. If your car doesn’t have an ignition coil, or if it’s not working properly, it might be hard to start your engine. Be sure to check out our article on how to test whether your ignition coil is functioning properly so that you can get started on fixing the issue.