What Causes the Breakdown of an Ignition Coil?

[LucyDella]

There are several reasons for the internal breakdown of an automobile ignition coil: 1. The engine is not running, and the ignition switch remains on for an extended period, causing the thermal effect of current to damage the coil insulation inside the ignition coil. 2. The engine overheats, melting the coil insulation adhesive and rendering it ineffective. 3. Excessive spark plug electrode gap increases the load on the ignition coil, leading to the breakdown of the high-voltage coil and resulting in a short circuit or open circuit. 4. A broken high-voltage wire leaves the generated high-voltage electricity with no path to travel, easily causing the high-voltage coil to break down. In this case, the engine may be difficult to start, and the high-voltage circuit should be checked for any breaks.

[Lois]

I've seen plenty of ignition coil breakdown cases at the repair shop, usually caused by overheating due to poor heat dissipation. When your engine runs at high load for extended periods, like climbing hills or frequent acceleration, the soaring temperatures can burn out the coil's insulation. Also, when spark plugs are in poor condition, electrode wear increases the voltage required for ignition, putting extra strain on the coil and making it prone to breakdown. I once repaired an old car where the owner kept forgetting to change the oil, and oil seepage into the coil caused a short circuit. My advice is to avoid pushing your car too hard with insufficient cooling time during daily driving, especially in summer. Regular checks of the engine bay cooling system are crucial, otherwise you'll be spending big bucks on new coils again.

[VonLandon]

I once experienced a burnt ignition coil while working on my car, which was caused by voltage issues. That time, I had modified the ignition system with settings too high, and the coil's internal protection failed, resulting in noticeable crackling sounds during startup. Upon closer inspection, I found severe carbon buildup on the spark plugs, causing excessive voltage fluctuations that led to a breakdown. Since then, I've paid more attention to matching coil specifications and maintaining the electrical system. In daily use, I avoid short trips with sudden starts and stops or prolonged high-RPM driving, as the coils cool slowly and are prone to aging. Before replacing parts myself, I make sure the battery is healthy and the wiring is clean, which saves both money and hassle.

[CorbinLynn]

From a technical perspective, ignition coil breakdown primarily stems from insulation failure. Factors like material aging, high temperatures, or oil contamination degrade dielectric strength, causing immediate failure when voltage exceeds limits. For instance, dirty engine compartments with moisture or debris accumulation easily trigger short circuits. Poor sealing design leads to oil seepage. The issue worsens with unstable ECU voltage control. Regular engine cleaning and inspections are essential.