How many ignition coils should be replaced at once?
4 Answers
It is recommended to replace all 4 ignition coils at the same time. This is because the discharge gap and resistance values between old and new spark plugs are different. Not replacing all of them may cause engine vibration, hence they should be replaced together. Here is some information about ignition coils: 1. Composition: A typical ignition coil consists of two sets of windings - the primary coil and the secondary coil. The primary coil uses thicker enameled wire, usually around 0.5-1 mm in diameter with about 200-500 turns; the secondary coil uses finer enameled wire, typically about 0.1 mm in diameter with approximately 15,000-25,000 turns. 2. Types: Ignition coils can be classified into open magnetic circuit type and closed magnetic circuit type based on their magnetic circuit design.
I've been driving for over a decade and only encountered ignition failures a few times. When it comes to ignition coils, it's best to replace them as a set, especially if they're from the same batch. Think about it - they endure similar workloads and have comparable lifespans. If you only replace the faulty one, another might fail soon after. It's like tires; you wouldn't replace just one worn-out tire, would you? Saving a few bucks might lead to bigger troubles if your car breaks down midway. From my experience, for a 4-cylinder engine, replace the whole set, and for a V6, replacing all is more worry-free. Regularly inspect high-voltage wire packs for cracks and maintain the fuel-electrical system periodically to extend coil lifespan, preventing sudden ignition failures that could affect power output.
When doing DIY car repairs to save costs, replacing ignition coils requires careful consideration. Replacing only the faulty coil is indeed cheaper, with a single coil costing around 300-400 RMB and less labor time. However, other old coils may fail at any time, requiring repeated disassembly and installation, which consumes more time. Moreover, inconsistent resistance values in old coils can easily cause engine misfires and vibrations, potentially damaging spark plugs in the long run. If the budget allows, I prefer replacing the entire set—a complete set costs about a thousand RMB and can last seven to eight years without worries. Don’t ignore warning lights to save trouble; ignition system failures can cause fuel consumption to skyrocket.
After years of car repair experience, replacing ignition coils is quite simple: prioritize replacement quantity based on symptoms. If a single coil fails, just replace that one - cost-effective and efficient. But if multiple cylinders show uneven ignition or jerking, it's recommended to replace the whole set. Four-cylinder cars typically have four coils, while V6 models come with six. Avoid over-maintenance - keep functional ones. Coil aging often accompanies spark plug carbon buildup; replacing them together ensures smoother operation. If resistance tests exceed specifications, replace immediately as low ignition efficiency affects emission compliance.
