If your car isn’t starting, it may be time to test and replace your ignition coils. Ignition coils are an essential part of your car’s ignition system, and when they fail, your car won’t start. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to test and replace your ignition coils so you can get back on the road.
What are ignition coils and why do they fail.
What are ignition coils
An ignition coil is a type of transformer that steps up the voltage of the 12-volt battery in your car to the thousands of volts needed by the spark plugs to ignite the fuel. The ignition coils are usually located on top of the spark plug wells.
What causes ignition coils to fail
Over time, the insulation on the wire windings inside the coil can break down from heat and vibration, causing shorts or leaks in the coil. This can cause misfires, engine ping, and a loss of power.
How to test your car ignition coils.
How to test for a spark
If your car is having trouble starting, it could be a problem with the ignition coils. To test whether your ignition coils are working properly, you can first check for a spark.
To do this, remove one of the spark plug wires from a spark plug and hold it close to the engine block. Have someone else turn the key in the ignition while you observe the end of the wire. If there is a strong spark, then the ignition coil is likely working properly.
If there is no spark or only a weak spark, then the ignition coil may need to be replaced.
How to test for resistance
Another way to test whether your ignition coils are working properly is to check for resistance using an ohmmeter. First, disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid electrocuting yourself. Then remove one of the spark plug wires from a spark plug and attach one lead of the ohmmeter to each end of the wire.
If there is continuity (a low resistance reading on the ohmmeter), then the ignition coil is likely working properly. If there is no continuity (an infinite resistance reading on the ohmmeter), then the ignition coil needs to be replaced.
How to replace your car’s ignition coils.
How to remove the old ignition coils
To replace your car’s ignition coils, you’ll need to remove the old ones first. To do this, start by disconnecting the negative battery cable. Then, remove the engine cover and locate the ignition coils. Once you’ve found the coils, detach the spark plug wires and unscrew the bolts that hold the coils in place. With the bolts removed, you should be able to pull the coils out of their sockets.
How to install the new ignition coils
Installing new ignition coils is relatively easy–simply reverse the steps you took to remove the old ones. Start by screwing the new coils into their sockets, then reattach the spark plug wires and engine cover. Finally, reconnect the negative battery cable and start your car’s engine to test whether or not the new coils are working properly.
If your car is having trouble starting or the engine is misfiring, it could be a sign that the ignition coils need to be replaced. Ignition coils are an essential part of the ignition system, and when they fail, it can cause major engine problems.
Fortunately, testing and replacing ignition coils is a relatively easy task that you can do at home with just a few tools. First, use a spark tester to check for a spark. If there is no spark, then you’ll need to test the coil for resistance. If the coil is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
Replacing ignition coils is not difficult, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully so you don’t damage the new coils. First, remove the old coils and then install the new ones making sure they are tight and secure.
If you think your car might have bad ignition coils, don’t wait to get them checked out. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse and could eventually lead to engine failure.