Why Does the Ignition Coil Burn Out?

[DeJuliette]

The reasons why an ignition coil burns out are: 1. Excessive power generation, causing the ignition coil to be overloaded; 2. Excessive spark plug gap; 3. Poor fuel quality; 4. Incorrect cylinder compression ratio; 5. Program failure in the computer board; 6. Unstable power supply voltage; 7. Abnormal resistance in the high-voltage wires; 8. Secondary circuit short; 9. Excessive primary current from the ignition controller leading to overheating of the ignition coil. The steps to replace the ignition coil are: 1. Open the ignition coil cover on top of the engine; 2. Remove the ignition coil fixing screws; 3. Disconnect the ignition coil power plug; 4. Take out the ignition coil; 5. Insert the new ignition coil and tighten the screws; 6. After connecting the power plug, cover the top panel.

[Easton]

I recently encountered a problem with a burnt ignition coil, mainly due to poor heat dissipation. The engine compartment gets extremely hot, especially during traffic jams or prolonged uphill driving, where the coil temperature can soar to over 100 degrees Celsius. Under such conditions, the internal insulation material tends to age and become brittle, leading to high-voltage electricity directly causing a short circuit. It could also be an issue with the original design, as some cars have ignition coils positioned too close to the exhaust manifold, resulting in inadequate heat dissipation design. Additionally, don't overlook the impact of spark plugs; excessively large gaps can increase the demand for ignition energy, causing the coil to operate under overload for extended periods. It's recommended to regularly clean the engine compartment of dust and check the condition of the spark plugs.

[ElizabethAnn]

Ignition coil burnout is mostly related to electrical circuit issues. I've encountered cases where voltage instability caused coil burnout, such as when the generator voltage regulator fails or the battery ages, causing voltage fluctuations. Under these conditions, the coil windings operate under excessive voltage for prolonged periods, leading to overheating and damage. Additionally, modifying audio systems or installing additional electrical equipment can indirectly cause problems. Incorrect wiring that results in short-circuit current surges can instantly burn through the coil. Less commonly, water ingress causing a short circuit can occur if seals fail during car washing or water wading, allowing water into the coil. Remember to use a multimeter to check resistance values when inspecting the vehicle's electrical circuits.

[MartinAnn]

High temperature is the number one killer of ignition coils. During engine operation, the coil itself generates heat, compounded by the high-temperature environment in the engine compartment. During prolonged high-speed driving, the accumulated heat can carbonize the insulation varnish on the internal enameled wires, leading to failure and causing the high-voltage pulse current to short-circuit. A malfunctioning cooling fan or coolant leakage can also lead to uncontrolled local temperatures. My advice is to avoid sustained high-RPM operation, regularly inspect the cooling system, and address any high-temperature warnings on the dashboard immediately.