Car engines are designed to start easily, but sometimes something can go wrong and the car won’t start. The problem could be with the ignition coil, which is a component that sends electricity to the spark plugs to start the engine. If this coil is bad, it won’t create enough sparks to jump the engine’s spark plugs and turn them on. In this situation, you might be able to start the car by using the key remote or by pulling on the handle. But if the problem is serious, your car might not even have a key remote and you’ll have to call a tow truck.
What is a bad ignition coil?
A bad ignition coil can cause a car not to start. If the coil is not firing correctly, the spark plugs may not get enough power to ignite the fuel, resulting in a stalled engine. A bad coil can also cause misfires and poor emissions.
How do you replace a bad ignition coil?
Replacing a bad ignition coil can be done by yourself or a mechanic. If you decide to do it yourself, be sure to remove the battery and disconnect the negative cable first. You’ll also need a flashlight and a socket wrench.
To replace the coil, remove the four screws that hold the cover on and gently tug the cover off. Find the coil and unplug it from the Chassis Relay Connector. If your car has a black coil, there will likely be two terminals – one each for the black and red wires. If your car has a white coil, there will likely be only one terminal – for both red and white wires. Replace the coil with a new one (included with your purchase) by plugging it in to the terminals and screwing the cover back on. Replace the screws and enjoy your car’s newly-charged battery!
What to do if your car won’t start?
If your car won’t start, there are a few things you can try before you call a tow truck. A bad ignition coil can cause your car to not start. Here are a few steps to try if your car won’t start:
1. Remove the battery and wait five minutes. If your car still won’t start, try replacing the battery.
2. Check all of the fuses and replace any that are blown.
3. Try starting the car in Neutral or Park and see if that fixes the problem.
4. Clean the spark plugs and coils.
5. Test the fuel pump by running it for about two minutes with the engine off and then turn it back on.
Conclusion
If your car won’t start, there’s a good chance that the ignition coil is causing the problem. If you’re not sure whether or not your ignition coil is bad, it’s best to take your car in for a diagnosis. However, if you do have an ignition coil that is starting to fail, there are some steps you can take to try and troubleshoot the issue on your own.