Signs of Ignition Coil Damage and How it Works

Ignition coil is an important component in the ignition system of a motor vehicle that is responsible for converting the low voltage from the battery into the high voltage needed to produce sparks in the spark plug. This spark ignites the mixture of fuel and air in the engine’s combustion chamber, thus generating power to drive the vehicle. Check out the following article TransTRACK for an explanation!

What is the function of the ignition coil?

The main function of the ignition coil is to convert the low voltage from the vehicle battery into the high voltage required to generate a spark at the spark plug. This spark is required to burn the fuel and air mixture inside the engine’s combustion chamber, which in turn generates power to move the vehicle.

Converting Low Voltage to High Voltage

The ignition coil receives a low voltage (usually 12 volts) from the vehicle battery and increases this voltage to thousands of volts through the principle of electromagnetic induction. This process allows the spark plug to get a voltage high enough to produce a spark.

Sending High Voltage to the Spark Plug

The high voltage generated by the ignition coil is sent to the spark plug to generate the required spark. This spark ignites the fuel and air mixture inside the engine cylinder.

Ensuring Optimal Combustion

The ignition coil ensures that the spark plug produces a strong and consistent spark by providing sufficient high voltage. Efficient and complete combustion of the fuel and air mixture improves engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Reduced Emissions

With efficient combustion, these components help reduce harmful exhaust emissions. This is important to keep the combustion system working properly and environmentally friendly.

Optimizes Engine Performance

A properly functioning ignition coil helps the engine operate smoothly and efficiently. Damage or failure of this component can lead to engine misfires, difficulty starting, and a decrease in overall performance.

How does the ignition coil work?

The working of this component involves several steps related to the principle of electromagnetic induction to convert low voltage into the high voltage required for spark ignition at the spark plug. Here is a detailed explanation of how this component works:

Low Voltage In

The ignition coil receives a low voltage (usually 12 volts) from the vehicle battery. This voltage enters the ignition coil’s primary coil.

Primary Coil

A low voltage flows through the primary coil, which consists of a number of turns of wire. This flow of electric current through the primary coil generates a magnetic field around the coil.

Formation of Magnetic Field

As electric current flows through the primary coil, a magnetic field forms around the coil. This magnetic field is key in the process of electromagnetic induction.

Current Disconnection in the Primary Coil

When the electric current in the primary coil is cut off suddenly (usually by an ignition switch or an electronic component in modern ignition systems), the magnetic field that has formed disappears suddenly.

Induction of Voltage in the Secondary Coil

This sudden change in the magnetic field induces a high voltage in the secondary coil which has a much larger number of turns than the primary coil. This principle is known as electromagnetic induction.

High Voltage Exit

The high voltage generated by the secondary coil (it can reach thousands of volts) is sent through the ignition wire to the spark plug. This high voltage causes the spark plug to produce a powerful spark.

Spark on Spark Plug

The spark produced by the spark plug burns the fuel and air mixture in the engine cylinder. This combustion produces power that moves the piston and ultimately drives the vehicle.

What are the different types of ignition coils?

There are several types of ignition coils used in vehicle ignition systems, each with a different design and way of working. Here is an explanation of these three types of components:

Coil-on-Plug (COP)

Coil-on-Plug (COP) is a type where each spark plug has its own coil mounted directly on it. This system eliminates the need for long ignition wires, improves ignition efficiency and allows for a neater engine design.

Distributor-Based Ignition Coil

The distributor-based type uses a single coil to generate high voltage which is then distributed to multiple spark plugs through the distributor. This system is more common in older vehicles and requires ignition wires to connect the coil to the distributor and spark plugs.

Waste Spark Ignition Coil

The waste spark type uses one coil for two different spark plugs, producing sparks at both plugs simultaneously. This system allows for more efficient ignition by reducing the number of coils required, although one of the sparks occurs on the exhaust stroke which does not affect engine performance.

What are the signs of a faulty ignition coil?

Here are the signs that this component is damaged that you need to pay attention to:

Engine Difficult to Start

If this component is damaged, the engine may be difficult to start or not start at all. This is due to the lack of spark required to initiate combustion of the fuel and air mixture in the cylinder.

Decreased Engine Performance

A faulty ignition coil can cause the engine to run unstable, noticeably lose power, or experience misfires. This is because the spark plug is not getting enough high voltage to produce a strong and consistent spark.

Increased Fuel Consumption

Damage to this component can lead to inefficient combustion, requiring the engine to work harder and use more fuel. As a result, fuel consumption increases, which can be seen in reduced fuel efficiency.

Check Engine Light Turns On

The vehicle diagnosis system (OBD) can detect a problem with the ignition coil and turn on the check engine light on the dashboard. Error codes related to the ignition will be stored in the vehicle’s computer, which can be read by a technician to identify the problem.

Damage to the ignition coil can lead to various problems such as difficult engine starting, decreased engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and the check engine light turning on. Understanding the signs of ignition coil damage and performing regular maintenance is essential to maintaining your vehicle’s performance.

To ensure your vehicle is always in the best condition, consider using the  Vehicle Maintenance System from TransTRACK. This system helps you monitor the condition of critical components such as the ignition coil, schedule routine maintenance, and prevent breakdowns before they happen. With TransTRACK, you can save time, money, and keep your vehicle reliable and efficient. Start using TransTRACK!