Your vehicle’s ignition coil provides the high voltage needed by the spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine. As the coil wears out from use, it can cause various problems. However, this is normal in a used SUV, and you only need to replace the faulty ignition coil to restore proper engine performance.
How to Tell If Your Used SUV Has a Faulty Ignition Coil
Hard Starts
If your SUV’s engine is cranking but taking longer than normal to fire up and start, it’s likely a sign of a weak ignition coil. A weak or defective ignition coil may struggle to provide adequate voltage to the spark plugs. As a result, the air-fuel mixture won’t ignite properly, and the engine will experience extended cranking. Replace the defective ignition coil, so your engine can start smoothly again.
Engine Misfires and Backfires
A bad ignition coil can cause misfires, where one or more cylinders fail to ignite the fuel because of a lack of spark. Improper ignition can also cause engine backfires when some fuel ignites incorrectly in the air intake instead of the cylinder. Misfires and backfires can cause jerking when the SUV is running. The only way to achieve proper ignition is to replace the defective ignition coil.
Rough Idling
If your engine is idling unevenly with surges and dips in the RPMs, this is a sign of rough idling. It occurs when the ignition coil is unable to properly distribute the electrical charge to all cylinders when idling. Rough idling can cause incomplete combustion, which leads to misfires. If you notice rough idling along with vibrations and a check engine light, have the ignition coil inspected.
Loss of Power and Poor Acceleration
As your SUV’s ignition coil wears out, you may notice a loss of engine power and sluggish acceleration. The vehicle may struggle to accelerate and maintain higher speeds. This happens because the failing ignition coil cannot provide enough voltage to the spark plugs across the cylinders.
When accelerating or driving at high speeds, all the cylinders need to fire properly to generate maximum power. If the coil is causing the cylinders to misfire, the engine won’t have enough power to maintain speed. Replace the faulty coil and enjoy thrilling rides in your vehicle.
Increased Fuel Consumption
Is your SUV consuming more gas than it normally does? You could be dealing with a defective ignition coil. If the coil can’t provide enough voltage, the spark plugs are unable to properly ignite the air-fuel mix.
Since the fuel isn’t properly ignited, a lot of it goes to waste in the process. The fuel economy will continue to decrease as the ignition coil continues to wear out. You must replace the coil to restore your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Ignition coil failure can sneak up gradually or appear suddenly, but the symptoms are clear. If you notice any of these signs, visit Santa Monica SUVs, and our technicians will replace your ignition coil.
Image by Muhammad Ibrar from Pixabay
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