How Many Ignition Coils Should Be Replaced at Once?
2 Answers
It is recommended to replace all 4 ignition coils at the same time. This is because the discharge gap and resistance values differ between old and new spark plugs. Not replacing all of them may cause engine vibration, hence they should be replaced together. Here is an introduction to ignition coils: Composition: A typical ignition coil contains two sets of windings: the primary coil and the secondary coil. The primary coil uses thicker enameled wire, usually about 0.5-1 mm in diameter with approximately 200-500 turns. The secondary coil uses finer enameled wire, typically about 0.1 mm in diameter with around 15,000-25,000 turns. Types: Ignition coils can be classified into open-core type and closed-core type based on their magnetic circuit design.
I've run an auto repair shop for ten years and often get asked how many ignition coils to replace at once. It really depends on the situation: If your car just occasionally misfires and shakes, and only one coil is found faulty during inspection, then replacing that single one is sufficient. However, if the vehicle has already clocked over 100,000 kilometers with other coils showing signs of aging, I'd recommend replacing the entire set. After all, ignition coils are wear-and-tear items with similar lifespans - replacing them all at once saves you from repeated disassembly. This is especially true for turbocharged models where the ignition system undergoes greater stress - a complete replacement offers more reliability. Ultimately though, the decision comes down to your budget. Individual coils typically cost between 200-300 to 500-600 RMB each, while a full set replacement is naturally more expensive but proves more cost-effective in the long run.
