Why Are Ignition Coils Prone to Failure?
2 Answers
During engine operation, the ignition coil is frequently subjected to high-voltage pulse currents of tens of thousands of volts. Due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, dust, and vibration, it inevitably experiences aging or even damage. Simply put, an ignition coil is the component that enables the spark plug to "generate sparks" and ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. Essentially, it functions as a transformer that converts the vehicle's low-voltage current into high-voltage electricity. Here are the symptoms of a faulty ignition coil: 1. Engine Misfire: At idle, the engine may produce a noticeable stuttering sound accompanied by severe shaking. 2. Jerking During Acceleration: While driving, the higher the gear, the more pronounced the jerking sensation becomes when accelerating. The engine shakes violently, with smoother acceleration being slightly better. The sensation is most noticeable during hard acceleration, sometimes even feeling like the engine is about to stall.
I've noticed that in daily driving, ignition coils tend to fail mainly because of their harsh working conditions. They're directly exposed in the engine compartment, operating for long periods at high temperatures which accelerates the aging and deformation of internal insulation materials. Vibration is another silent killer - every startup and hard braking causes the coil to shake, leading to loose connections or internal fractures. Voltage fluctuations are problematic too; if the alternator or battery is in poor condition, excessively high or low currents can overload and burn out the coil. Additionally, aged spark plugs or using low-quality components create collateral issues, forcing the coil to work harder to compensate for system deficiencies. Based on my experience handling such cases, I recommend checking spark plugs and wiring connections every two years, maintaining good engine cooling, and using OEM replacement parts when necessary to avoid repeated repairs costing more money.
