What are the symptoms of a malfunctioning ignition coil in a Mitsubishi Pajero?
3 Answers
The symptoms of a malfunctioning ignition coil in a Mitsubishi Pajero are: 1. Significant body vibration when idling; 2. During driving, noticeable body vibration when the engine speed is below 2500 rpm, accompanied by weak acceleration, with the vibration disappearing once the speed exceeds 2500 rpm; 3. Upon opening the engine hood and observing the running engine, obvious engine vibration can be noticed. Taking the 2011 Mitsubishi Pajero as an example, it is a mid-to-large-sized SUV with body dimensions of: length 4830mm, width 1895mm, height 1885mm, a wheelbase of 2780mm, a minimum ground clearance of 219mm, and a body weight of 2120kg.
When driving my Mitsubishi Pajero, the ignition coil malfunctioned, making the car extremely difficult to start—it took several turns of the key to get the engine going. Sometimes the engine would sputter a few times and then stall. While driving, the engine shook violently, like an earthquake, especially during acceleration or uphill climbs, causing the entire vehicle to wobble severely with noticeably reduced power. Even flooring the accelerator didn’t help. Fuel consumption skyrocketed—normally, a full tank would last 500 km, but during this issue, it barely made it to 400 km. To make matters worse, the engine warning light stayed on as a red dot, leaving me anxious while driving. Later, when I took it to the mechanic, the technician explained that the aging ignition coil caused insufficient current, failing to ignite the spark plug, which meant that cylinder wasn’t working at all. His advice: if you notice these symptoms, don’t force the car to run—take it to a reputable shop to test the coil’s resistance with a multimeter. Addressing it early can save on repair costs and fuel expenses.
When the ignition coil of a Mitsubishi Pajero fails, the most obvious symptoms are engine failure to start or slow, time-consuming starting; uncomfortable irregular engine shaking while driving; sluggish acceleration, feeling like stepping on cotton when pressing the gas pedal; a sharp increase in fuel consumption, raising expenses; and the engine malfunction indicator light turning on to warn of issues. These not only affect the driving experience but also pose safety hazards: severe shaking can lead to unstable handling, especially on highways; sudden stalling in congested traffic may cause accidents. I recommend regular maintenance to check the ignition coil connections. If coil issues frequently occur, inspect the spark plugs for carbon buildup and replace worn components to prevent failures. Timely repairs are necessary to avoid long-term damage to the catalytic converter or reduced engine lifespan. Pay attention to subtle changes during daily driving, such as unstable idling, and get it checked promptly.
