What are the causes of IGNITION failure?
4 Answers
Ignition warning light comes on due to: 1. Ignition device failure: The ignition device may be malfunctioning, causing poor engine combustion, requiring inspection and repair; 2. Excessive carbon buildup: Spark plugs may have excessive carbon deposits, abnormal sparking, or no sparking, necessitating cleaning or replacement; 3. Voltage instability: The high-voltage meter or high-voltage coil may be faulty, requiring checks on voltage and resistance; 4. Component damage: Related parts may be malfunctioning, leading to poor combustion in engine cylinders, thus triggering the ignition warning light.
With over twenty years of driving experience, I've encountered many ignition failures. The most common issues are aged spark plugs or excessive carbon buildup, which prevent the engine from starting. Another frequent problem is high-voltage wire leakage—those wires tend to crack over time, causing the current to divert and fail to ignite. Battery issues are also common; insufficient voltage or reaching the end of its lifespan can affect startup. If the starter motor's carbon brushes are worn out, you'll hear a clicking sound when turning the key, but the engine won't crank. The ignition coil is another critical component, especially in older cars—when the coil ages, it can't provide sufficient spark energy. Sensor failures can also disrupt the system; if the crankshaft position sensor fails, the ECU won't know when to ignite. I recommend having the mechanic check the spark plugs during every maintenance service—don't wait until you're stranded on the road to regret it. Also, pay attention to the fuel system; clogged fuel injectors or insufficient fuel pump pressure can also cause ignition problems.
Last time my car had ignition issues, the diagnosis revealed a faulty crankshaft position sensor. This sensor is particularly crucial as it informs the computer about the engine's rotation position for precise ignition timing. Battery problems are quite common, especially in cold weather when insufficient voltage prevents the starter from turning over effectively. Ignition coil aging is another frequent issue, particularly in vehicles that are seven or eight years old - degraded coil insulation leads to weak sparks. Worn copper bushings in the starter motor can cause free-spinning (you hear loud noises but the engine doesn't crank). Distributor problems were common in older vehicles, but modern cars mostly use direct ignition systems. Wiring faults also deserve attention - if water enters or shorts occur in the ECU module, the entire control system gets disrupted. Fuel quality shouldn't be overlooked either, as poor-quality gasoline can cause severe spark plug carbon buildup. It's recommended to regularly check battery health, and parking in underground garages during winter is advisable.
Ignition failures are the most annoying; I just experienced one last month. At that time, turning the key had no response, but the dashboard lights were normal. After towing it to the repair shop, they found it was due to poor contact in the ignition switch, which is located right under the steering wheel. The mechanic said this is a common mechanical failure—over time, the contacts wear out and lose conductivity. Another time, the spark plugs got flooded, caused by driving too aggressively in the rain, leading to abnormal discharge from the ignition coils. Oxidized battery terminals causing poor contact are also a hidden danger; cleaning them can often resolve the issue. A malfunctioning immobilizer chip key can also falsely indicate an ignition problem—trying a spare key can verify this. If you encounter ignition issues, avoid repeated attempts; first, check these simple components.
