The ignition coil converts low battery voltage into the higher voltage needed to produce the spark that ignites the fuel in each cylinder.
Failure:
- The Check Engine Light may come on
- The engine may run rough or stall
- Lack of power on acceleration
- The engine cranks, but will not start
Related:
- Continuing to drive with the above mentioned symptoms can damage the catalytic converter
- An engine can have a single ignition coil that covers all cylinders; one coil for each cylinder head of a V6 or V8 engine; one coil for every two cylinders (waste spark ignition); or one coil for each cylinder in the engine (coil-on-plug ignition)
- On some vehicles, it may be necessary to remove the intake manifold to gain access to the ignition coils
- A failed ignition coil can be the result of failures elsewhere in the ignition system. The ignition wires and spark plugs should be inspected and replaced if necessary.
- Oil or coolant leaks can damage ignition coils—the leaks need to be repaired along with the ignition coil
- Care should be taken when servicing the ignition system as up to 45,000 volts may be present while the engine is running