Can the car still run if the ignition coil is damaged?

[DelElisa]

If the ignition coil is severely damaged, it may cause too many cylinders in the engine to misfire or adjacent working cylinders to misfire simultaneously, making it impossible for the engine to start normally, and the car will not be able to drive properly. If the ignition coil only weakens the spark plug's ability to fire, the vehicle may start, but it is not recommended to continue driving as it can lead to increased fuel consumption, reduced power, and other issues. Symptoms of a damaged ignition coil: 1. Engine shaking: A damaged ignition coil prevents the spark plug from igniting the combustible gas mixture, easily causing cylinder misfires and resulting in severe engine shaking. 2. Increased fuel consumption and reduced power. 3. Excessive carbon buildup, leading to black smoke from the car's exhaust.

[VanEliza]

I remember one time when the ignition coil failed but I still stubbornly drove for a while. The car was shaking like a sieve, couldn't even hold idle properly, and the engine light was glaringly bright. The worst part was the terrible acceleration - it struggled even climbing a slope. The mechanic said continuing to drive would cause the exhaust to fail emissions standards and damage the catalytic converter, plus the spark plugs would likely suffer. If multiple cylinders fail, even the engine can't handle it. And with today's advanced computer controls, misfires immediately trigger trouble codes - driving like that is both dangerous and troublesome. My advice is to shut off the engine immediately when noticing this issue, preferably call a tow truck to the shop for inspection. Don't gamble with safety - fixing a coil actually doesn't cost that much.

[MacHannah]

It is generally not recommended to continue driving if the ignition coil is faulty. That component acts like a distributor switch, and if it fails, it can cause a cylinder to misfire, akin to walking with a limp. The specific symptoms include severe engine shaking, increased noise, poor acceleration, and the illumination of a warning light on the dashboard. Driving a short distance to a repair shop might be manageable, but exceeding ten kilometers is risky, especially on highways where insufficient power can be dangerous. Prolonged driving under such conditions is particularly concerning as it may clog the catalytic converter, which can cost thousands to replace. My neighbor last month stubbornly drove for three days with the issue, only to end up with a ruined catalytic converter and unnecessary expenses. If your car exhibits similar symptoms, it's best to get it checked and repaired as soon as possible.

[DavidFitz]

The key to this question lies in how you define 'still drivable.' Starting the engine is definitely possible, but driving would be a miserable experience. The ignition coil is responsible for delivering electricity to the spark plugs; if one fails, it's equivalent to losing a cylinder. The engine immediately turns into a tractor, with fuel consumption soaring by at least 30%, and unburned gasoline may even spray out of the exhaust pipe. Based on my research, if you insist on driving, you must shut off the engine within two hours at the latest, or the oxygen sensor and exhaust system won't hold up. For temporary moves like repositioning the car, you can drive slowly over a short distance, but proper road use is absolutely out of the question. Oh, and turbocharged cars require extra caution—cylinder misfire during turbo engagement can easily lead to knocking.