Ignition coils perform the impressive feat of transforming the battery's meager 12 volts into an enormous surge of 25,000 to 45,000 volts for the spark plugs. If your car’s ignition coil malfunctions, its connected spark plug won't be able to keep sparking and all kinds of engine trouble will ensue. Here are four clear warning signs that you may have a faulty ignition coil in your Ford car, truck, or SUV, and what to do if you think you may need a new coil.
Weakened Acceleration
As most engine cylinders have just one ignition coil, when that coil fails, that cylinder can no longer produce power for your car. This weakens the engine, reducing acceleration and making it harder to overtake other vehicles. With a bad coil, you might also find it harder to reach and maintain high speeds on the highway.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
With one cylinder failing to fire properly because of a faulty coil, your engine won't be able to carry your car as much distance for each mile of gas it guzzles. You'll need to stop for gas more often and unless you have a new coil installed, you'll soon need to increase your weekly gas budget.
Coughing, Shuddering Engine
The usual smooth rumble of your engine is generated by all four, six, or eight cylinders firing in a finely tuned rhythm. When one cylinder's spark plug fails to ignite the fuel because of a malfunctioning coil, this rhythm is broken; your engine will cough and shudder as it struggles to keep going.
The symptoms of misfiring become most noticeable when the car slows down or rests in idle, which can strain the engine at the best of times. While idling, your engine will sputter alarmingly and may stall.
Backfiring and Exhaust Smoke
It's important to repair or change a bad coil immediately because, given time, misfiring can cause further damage to other car parts. The unburned fuel in the misfiring cylinder can ignite as the valve opens, creating a loud bang. The fuel can then leak back into the exhaust pipes, causing more backfiring, generating smoke, and potentially destroying the catalytic converter.
How Often to Replace Coils at Your Ford Dealer
As with almost every car part, your coils need to be routinely replaced. They're normally long-lasting components with lifespans of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, coils can occasionally become damaged prematurely by faults with the wiring or spark plugs. Excessive heat and vibrations, or carbon fouling, can also harm your engine's coils.
Visit Auffenberg Ford Belleville in Belleville, IL, to have your coils repaired, refurbished, or replaced today. We're a locally trusted dealership offering a broad range of new and pre-owned vehicles, prompt maintenance services, and attentive customer care.
