Symptoms of a Faulty Car Ignition Coil High-Voltage Pack
3 Answers
When a car's ignition coil high-voltage pack fails, the symptoms include: 1. Engine vibration: As the high-voltage pack deteriorates, the engine is prone to misfiring (missing cylinders), leading to noticeable shaking during operation. 2. Increased fuel consumption and reduced power: Even if the high-voltage pack damage doesn't cause misfiring, it still affects the normal spark plug firing. 3. Excessive carbon buildup: Impaired spark plug firing can lead to incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture, resulting in carbon deposits (a tar-like substance) and black smoke from the exhaust.
I found that when the ignition coil fails, the car can develop various problems. Last time, my car was extremely difficult to start—it took several turns of the key to get it going, and sometimes it wouldn't start at all. After starting, the engine shook violently, like sitting on a massage chair, and when accelerating, the throttle response was sluggish, struggling to pick up speed. Fuel consumption also increased noticeably, with a full tank covering dozens of kilometers less. On the road, it would occasionally stall, which was incredibly frustrating. This issue shouldn't be delayed, or it could lead to more expensive repairs like damaged spark plugs or the catalytic converter. I used a multimeter to test the coil's resistance—if it's below 0.5 or above 2 ohms, it's faulty. Replacing it promptly can solve the problem, and regular inspections can prevent such issues.
I am particularly vigilant about ignition coil failures during long-distance drives due to their severe hidden dangers. Symptoms include the engine warning light turning on, prolonged cranking noises during startup before the engine finally starts. While driving, the engine may suddenly shake violently like convulsions, with weak acceleration or even stuttering. Last month on the highway, my car experienced this issue—a sudden loss of power nearly causing a crash before I managed to pull over. During repairs, a faulty coil was discovered and promptly replaced, bringing much peace of mind. I recommend stopping immediately and heading to a repair shop for a replacement at the first sign of these symptoms, as breaking down in a remote area poses significant safety risks. For routine maintenance, check the coil connections to avoid corrosion or looseness.