There are a number of parts used in the manufacturing of the car that help in its smooth functioning; one such part is the ignition coil.
Ignition coils are majorly responsible for supplying the electrical component, and if they are not in the appropriate condition, the engine performance of the vehicle will suffer.
For internal combustion engines, three components- fuel, air, and electricity—are important. If any of these components are not functioning properly, the engine cannot work.
In this blog, we will talk in-depth about what an ignition coil is, how to keep them cool, and how to replace them if necessary. In addition to this, we will also help you in finding the best place for ignition coils. So, keep reading to seek answers to these questions.
What are ignition coils?
Ignition coils are the electrical components used in internal combustion engines that help in amplifying voltage from the charging system of your automobile and provide power to the spark plug. These coils are important as the battery of a vehicle produces a low-voltage current that is not powerful enough to ignite the fuel and kick off the engine on its own.
In order to find a solution to this issue, the ignition coils transform the low-voltage current from the battery into a comparatively higher voltage. Thus, it can be simply said that ignition coils are the ultimate game changer as they allow the creation of spark, which further results in the starting and running of the vehicle.
How to keep ignition coils cool?
Proper cooling of ignition coils is essential for the optimal performance of the vehicle’s engines as it helps in preventing combustion. An overheated ignition coil can result in an extremely hazardous situation like the release of toxic fumes and adverse effects on crucial components of your car’s engine.
Consider the following pointers to prevent the ignition coils from getting overheated:
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Maintain the proper airflow around the ignition coil
When ignition coils are not in use, they produce a lot of heat, and without the proper airflow, this heat can result in overheating and related damage to your car’s engine. In order to ensure adequate airflow, you need to place the ignition coil in an area that has enough space and allows air to circulate freely.
Furthermore, you should avoid positioning other parts near the ignition coil to restrict its airflow. Along with this, you can regularly check the air filter and replace it when you feel that it is overworked and unable to maintain an adequate amount of airflow.
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Prevent debris buildup
In order to maintain the proper functioning of the engine in your car, you need to keep the engine compartment clean. You need to restrict the debris buildup, as it can result in the overheating of the ignition coil.
You can simply prevent this issue by regularly cleaning up your car’s engine compartment and using a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove the debris. Along with this, you need to maintain the appropriate amount of air intake, as it will help ensure the better performance of your vehicle. Taking out some time for some extra TLC can help you in maintaining the optimal performance of the engine and related areas.
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Employ heat-resisting coating
You can easily keep your ignition coil cool by coating the ignition coil and surrounding areas. The heat-resisting coatings act as a barrier to prevent heat from penetrating and overheating inside components.
The ballast resistors must have a resistance of 1.2 ohms and if they are higher than this, it can result in poor ignition performance. Moreover, you need to be quite careful while looking for a heat-resisting coating, as it may result in poor functioning if the right coating is not used. You can refer to renowned brands such as Auto Doc if you are looking for the right heat-resisting coating for your vehicle.
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Keep a regular check on the ignition coil
Subsequently, you must keep a regular check on your ignition coil. If you encounter any cracking, discoloration, unusual behavior, sounds, or melting down of the ignition coil, then you should immediately look for a mechanic.
Not keeping a regular check on these signs can result in the coil failing, further resulting in engine failure or poor performance of the car’s engine. Regularly checking the ignition coil and surrounding components can prevent potential issues.
How to replace the ignition coils?
In the above sections, we have discovered how ignition coils are important in the smooth functioning of the car and how you can use different strategies to prevent your car’s engine from getting overheated. In this particular section, we will be talking about the process of replacing the ignition coils, so let’s get started.
Step 1: Keep your safety a priority
Before getting started, open the hood, apply the emergency brake, and ensure that the ignition coil is cool. In addition to this, disconnect the negative battery to maintain optimal safety.
Step 2: Remove the ignition coil
Check the guidebook of your particular car and model before removing the ignition coil. To avoid any damage, it’s crucial to carefully disconnect the plastic connector before identifying and accessing the ignition coils. The connector may occasionally break as a result of aging, making replacement a difficult operation.
After the connection has been made, remove the hold-down bolt(s) and coil by twisting the insulator boot away from the spark plug. Be careful not to damage the porcelain spark plug. Coils should ideally be replaced one at a time, with multiple changes marked with labels or photos. Check for contamination with oil or antifreeze; if found, fix leaks before installing new coils to avoid potential future harm.
Step 3: Use a multimeter for testing
The Check Engine Light on your car may be flashing to indicate a PCM misfire code. Find out which cylinder is causing the problem by utilizing a code reader or going to AutoZone. It’s important to distinguish between a “misfire” and a “failed coil” because misfires can also be caused by spark plugs, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, or mechanical engine issues. Despite the fact that ignition coil failure is frequent, it can be diagnosed using tests like switching coils or a multimeter. The coil must be replaced if readings differ from normal. Check the spark plug for contaminants, fix any leaks, and clear the plug thoroughly before installation.
Step 4: Properly lubricate the coil
By contrasting the coil’s length, pigtail connections, and terminal pins, you may verify its accuracy. To keep moisture out and make future removal easier, apply dielectric grease to the interior of the insulator boot on the replacement ignition coil. Carefully reconnect the electrical pigtail after carefully positioning the coil onto the spark plug and fastening it with the hold-down bolt. Apply just a little dielectric grease to the connector to make sure it fits tightly and engages the lock firmly.
Step 5: Do the final check
Reattach the negative battery cable, reassemble the other parts, and then start the engine. Test drive the car to ensure the rightful solution for your problem. Clear the issue codes once you’re certain.
Best place for finding the ignition coils
Based on your specific requirements, you can find the right ignition coil for your particular car and model at AUTODOC. They are one of the biggest suppliers of car engine ignition coils and offer a tailor-made solution at affordable prices.
Conclusion
The rising complexity of engines built for better efficiency and power control has made ignition coils essential in modern engine management systems. These coils, which have taken the role of conventional distributors, operate with other electronic engine parts to direct power to the combustion chamber using spark plugs. Finding a broken ignition coil is a regular investigation, frequently brought on by the check engine light turning on and the consequent error code display on a code reader. However, there are a number of additional symptoms that could appear even before the check engine light comes on, offering earlier notice of potential coil issues.
Furthermore, visit the official website of AUTODOC to explore the different options for cheap ignition coils. Besides, for more such informative blogs, visit our website Feedhour.
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