How to Determine if an Ignition Coil is Good or Bad?
2 Answers
To determine the condition of an ignition coil: When the car is idling, if the shaking sensation is very noticeable, you can observe the exhaust pipe outlet. If the exhaust gas shows obvious intermittency and a sputtering sound can be heard, it can basically be concluded that the ignition coil is damaged. More information about ignition coils is as follows: 1. The reason an ignition coil can transform the low-voltage electricity in the car into high voltage is due to its similar structure to a regular transformer, with the primary coil having a significantly higher turns ratio than the secondary coil. 2. However, the working method of an ignition coil differs from that of a regular transformer. A regular transformer operates at a fixed frequency of 50Hz, also known as a power frequency transformer, whereas an ignition coil operates in a pulse form, which can be considered a pulse transformer. It repeatedly stores and releases energy at different frequencies according to the engine's varying speeds.
The ignition coil is a critical component of a car's ignition system. The most obvious symptoms when it fails include difficulty starting the engine, shaking during acceleration, or insufficient power. Last time I was driving on the highway, the engine suddenly lost power, and after inspection, it turned out to be a faulty ignition coil. To check if it's working properly, you can first observe if there's any abnormal shaking during daily driving, especially noticeable during cold starts. A more reliable method is to replace it with a known good coil and test drive: if the symptoms disappear, it means the original coil is bad. If you have tools, like a multimeter, you can measure the coil's resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's standard range—if the value is off, it needs replacement. Ignition issues can also lead to spark plug erosion or increased fuel consumption, so if you notice anything unusual, check it promptly and don't overlook maintenance details. Having a technician inspect the ignition system during regular maintenance can prevent major problems.
