Can You Drive with a Faulty Ignition Coil?
2 Answers
You cannot drive with a faulty ignition coil. A problematic ignition coil can cause cylinder misfire, leading to minor issues such as car shaking, weak acceleration, and unstable idling. Additionally, when a cylinder misfires, the air-fuel mixture in that cylinder fails to ignite and is expelled through the exhaust pipe, increasing fuel consumption and carbon buildup, which shortens the engine's lifespan. The steps to replace an ignition coil are: 1. Open the ignition coil cover on top of the engine and use a five-point wrench to remove the ignition coil mounting screws; 2. Disconnect the ignition coil power plug, gently pry it loose with a screwdriver, and remove the ignition coil; 3. Install the new ignition coil, tighten the screws, and reconnect the power plug.
As a mechanic, I've encountered many cars with ignition coil issues. Honestly, driving in this condition is very harmful to the vehicle! The car will noticeably shake, accelerate as if gasping for breath, and struggle even more when climbing hills. Prolonged operation like this can damage both the spark plugs and the catalytic converter, and in severe cases, even cause valve deformation. The exhaust will smell pungent and emit black smoke, causing significant pollution. My advice is to stop immediately when the check engine light comes on and call a dealership or reputable repair shop—towing fees are much cheaper than engine repairs. If you absolutely must move the car, do so slowly and over a short distance, and avoid pressing the accelerator too hard.
