There may be one coil for each spark plug or one coil for two spark plugs, but an ignition coil, also known as a spark coil, is a crucial part of your car that carries power from the battery to the spark plugs. The engine only runs on a few cylinders and loses power if some of the coils are bad. The car could stall out or refuse to start altogether, and you might notice the “Service Engine” light turn on. A failed ignition coil can be simply replaced at home, but you must first disconnect your battery because you’ll be working with high voltages.
In This Article...
The lifespan of a Lexus ignition coil
To lessen the probability of failure, several automakers advise replacing the ignition coils at predetermined intervals; this timetable should be followed. While some coils may last the whole life of the car, others might only last 5,000 miles. The majority will go at least 60,000 miles.
What signs might point to a failed ignition coil?
One of the initial signs of an ignition coil failure is this. Your car will feel slow and lose power if your ignition coil isn’t working properly. To achieve the needed combustion, erratic sparks are what create this. Take your car in for maintenance as soon as you lose power to prevent future damage that will cost more to fix.
Ignition coil replacement: is it difficult?
In some engines, replacing the ignition coil might be difficult. The biggest challenges you’ll encounter are accessibility issues and components that stick, such the ignition coil insulator boots that adhere to the spark plug and pull apart when you try to remove them.
Do I need to change each ignition coil individually?
It is not possible to fix a damaged ignition coil; a replacement is required. It’s a quick and inexpensive procedure to replace an ignition coil ($180-$380 for one coil) in the majority of cars with a 4-cylinder or inline-6 engine.
Some V6 engines require the removal of an intake manifold in order to access the rear ignition coils (e.g., Ford Edge, Ford Escape V6, Nissan Murano, Toyota Camry V6). This takes more work and is more expensive ($280 to $500 for one rear coil). In situations like this, your mechanic might advise changing all three of the rear ignition coils as a precaution.
If the spark plugs haven’t been changed in a while, it’s also advised to replace them altogether whenever one of the ignition coils dies. Ignition coils will last longer with new spark plugs.
Should I switch to spark plugs instead of ignition coils?
Spark plugs and ignition coils work in tandem. The other cannot work correctly if either one fails. So, should spark plugs be used in place of coil packs? It varies.
The spark plugs are the part that needs to be changed the most frequently along with the ignition coils. Coils can be overworked by worn spark plugs, and the effort needed to replace both parts is frequently overlapped. It is advisable to repair both parts at once if your worn-out spark plugs caused your ignition coils to fail.
However, unless there are indications that they are malfunctioning, replacing your ignition coils at the same time that you replace your spark plugs as part of routine maintenance is not necessary.
It is advised to replace the wires in ignition/spark plug systems if they look to be brittle, worn, or broken. If moisture (such as an oil leak) has harmed the ignition coils, the moisture source should also be fixed in order to prevent the problem from reappearing too soon.
The moment you notice a problem with your ignition coil, call a professional. Should I switch out my ignition coils for spark plugs? should be one of your first inquiries to your mechanic. Have your mechanic check your car to see whether the ignition coils and spark plugs need to be replaced.
How much time is required to replace ignition coils?
Although I’m not a mechanic, I believe that you must unplug the spark plug wires, remove the ignition coil (by unscrewing a few bolts), and then insert the new coil and cables in the opposite direction. That should just take a half-hour, in my opinion.
What noise do defective coils make?
It may be a sign that an ignition coil has failed if a car behaves erratically and causes its driver some difficulty when driving smoothly.
Depending on how severely the ignition coil has failed, the symptoms of a failed or weak ignition coil can change. The most typical indications of a malfunctioning ignition coil are listed below.
#1Backfiring
Your car’s backfiring may be a sign of an ignition coil failure that is only beginning to show symptoms. When the engine’s combustion cylinders run out of fuel, it backfires, and the fuel escapes through the exhaust pipe.
If this issue is not fixed, it may necessitate expensive repairs. Typically, the exhaust pipe will begin to emit a black smoke when there is a backfiring issue. Another sign that the ignition coil has failed is the smell of gasoline in the smoke.
#2Poor Fuel Economy
Poor fuel economy is another indication of a malfunctioning ignition coil. It may indicate an ignition coil failure if your car is getting noticeably less mileage than it did previously.
#3Engine Misfiring
When the ignition coils in a car fail, the engine will start to misfire. Such a vehicle’s engine will misfire when it is tried to start, making an audible coughing and sputtering noise.
When traveling at a high speed, the car will exhibit jerking and spitting behaviors. When a car is idling at a stoplight or stop sign, an ignition coil failure will also cause vibration.
#4Vehicle Stalling
The car may stall as a result of an ignition coil failure. The sparks that the malfunctioning coil sends to the spark plugs can cause this to happen. When brought to a stop, your car can entirely switch off, leaving you with the hassle of hoping it will restart.
#5Engine Jerking, Rough idling, Poor Power
The engine jerking and stuttering while accelerating are further symptoms. When driving, it will seem like your car lacks some power.
#6Check Engine Light On / DTC Code
Your dash’s check engine light will frequently come on. When using an automobile diagnostic tool, engine code P0351 (Ignition CoilPrimary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction) is most frequently what is displayed.
The simplest approach to diagnose a coil problem is probably by scanning for the error code, so if you notice the check engine light, get your scan tool or have a repair shop confirm.
#7Engine Hard Starting
The engine will have trouble starting, especially if your automobile only has one coil. The engine will be cranking without sparks in the cylinders if the coil is malfunctioning. Sometimes it starts but immediately ends.
Why do ignition coils malfunction?
The ability of ignition coils to conduct electricity may be compromised by overheating. A common cause of ignition coil failure is wear and tear. The insulation between the primary and secondary coil windings and the primary coil deteriorates as a result. The coil may overheat due to the loss of insulation.
How frequently must ignition coils be changed?
The lifespan of an ignition coil is longer than its service interval. They can be replaced at any age or mileage. Only when they are defective should they be replaced. It’s time to replace the ignition coils if you discover any fractures in the epoxy or plastic, in addition to misfires of course. If the boots or springs are corroded or cracked, they can be changed separately. We advise replacing all of the ignition coils in the car if one of them malfunctions and the others are at least six years old. The lifespan of the ignition coils can be impacted by a variety of variables, including environment, how frequently the car is driven, and age. Your coils might not last as long as they would if you lived on the west coast if you reside in a humid climate (somewhere in the south).
It can be difficult on the plastic and epoxy as they expand and contract from summer to winter if you live in a climate with high temperature swings (90 F to 100 F in the summer and below freezing in the winter). As a result, the ignition coil’s body may shatter earlier than it would if it were not subjected to such drastic temperature swings. The ignition coil might potentially be harmed by pressure washing your engine bay with a water hose. Generally speaking, we do not advise anyone to wash their engine bay in this manner without carefully protecting all electronics from the water. Water is a very frequent cause of requests for defective ignition coils. Water can produce a short and harm the coils and other electronic parts if it enters the connectors, which is VERY simple to do with a high pressure washer.
Water that leaks into the engine bay during a downpour from the wiper cowl is the most recent cause of ignition coil failure. Find the source of the water and clean it out right away if you open your hood and notice puddles of water wherever. These kinds of techniques can aid in avoiding an early failure of your ignition coils.
Do I have to unplug the battery to replace the ignition coil?
The ignition system in your automobile is probably not something you give much thought to, if you’re like most people. But if your ignition coil isn’t working properly, you might be wondering if you need to unplug the batteries first.
The battery must be disconnected before replacing the ignition coil, so the answer is yes. Otherwise, you risk damaging the coil or the electrical system of the vehicle.
Why you should disconnect the battery, how to do so safely, and what to do if you accidently damage the coil are all covered in this article.
No, you can replace the ignition coil without first disconnecting the battery. You can change the ignition coil yourself, but because you’ll be working with high voltages, remember to disconnect the battery first.
What equipment will I need to replace the ignition coils?
The low voltage from the battery is transformed by ignition coils into the high voltage required to ignite the spark plugs.
But generally speaking, you’ll require:
- Set ratchet (ratchet, sockets, and extensions)
- access to a repair database or a repair manual.
- ratchet wrench (optional)
- protective eyewear.
Will a fresh coil pack boost efficiency?
A coil often performs better with more windings and heavier gauge material for those windings. Davis notes, however, that frequently, even with those modifications, an updated coil can fit inside a casing or housing that is the same size as the original, or only slightly larger.
Can you drive while the coil pack is broken?
You can purchase a replacement ignition coil online if you’ve found that your ignition coil is broken. Depending on the make and model of your car, prices will vary, but for older models, ignition coils will run about $50. The Beckermann Ignition Coil 3Y36K, compatible for the 2013 Ford Fiesta, is available at YMF Car Parts for 53.
The good news is that an ignition coil issue is neither an imminent safety threat nor prohibitively expensive to fix. Even though the car will operate poorly, you can drive if you have to with a damaged ignition coil. If not addressed, an ignition coil issue can harm other auto components, particularly the catalytic converter, which could result in more serious issues.