Why Does My Ignition Coil Keep Burning Out?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The main cause of ignition coil burnout is the insulating material aging . For example, when the ignition coil high voltage can’t output smoothly, the current turbulence in coil will occur, causing the temperature to rise rapidly and accelerate the insulating material aging.

What causes ignition coils to keep going bad?

The leading cause of premature failure of an ignition coil is due to a worn or bad spark plug ignition cable . A bad spark plug ignition cable will have a much higher than normal resistance. This high resistance causes a very high amount of voltage to be generated from your ignition coil’s secondary winding.

What would cause a coil to burn out?

Improper match between the electrical source and the coil rating is sometimes a cause for coil burn-out: Voltage Too High . The operating voltage should not be more than 10% higher than the coil voltage rating. Excessive voltage causes excessive coil current which overheats the coil.

How do you stop ignition coils from failing?

Keeping your spark plugs in optimum condition can reduce your chances of experiencing an ignition coil failure. As spark plugs wear down, the gap in which each spark plug is fired is widened, meaning the coil needs to provide a higher voltage in order to bridge the gap.

How long are ignition coils supposed to last?

The ignition coil on your car is supposed to last around 100,000 miles or more . There are a number of factors that can lead to this part become damaged prematurely. Most of the newer cars on the market have a hard plastic cover that is designed to protect the coil from damage.

What are signs of a bad ignition coil?

  • Engine misfires.
  • Rough idle.
  • A decrease in car power, especially in acceleration.
  • Poor fuel economy.
  • Difficulty starting the engine.
  • Check engine light is on.
  • Exhaust backfiring.
  • Increased hydrocarbon emissions.

Can you replace only one ignition coil?

You can, of course, change just one coil . However, as a mechanic, I’ve seen it so many times, when one coil fails, another isn’t too far behind. If your coils are easy to access, replacing them as they fail is OK, apart from the inconvenience. It is possible to drive a car with a faulty coil, but it isn’t advised.

What happens when ignition coil gets hot?

A damaged coil can short some windings, causing high current but low inductance, so low energy. As it gets hot the energy falloff weakens the spark until the engine quits making noises .

Can a ignition coil short out?

The ignition coil is a durable electrical transformer that contains the primary and secondary winding circuits (coils) of the ignition system. ... If the insulation wears thin or cracks and two of the wire coils touch each other on either coil, they will immediately burn out the system.

Can you drive on a bad ignition coil?

It is possible to drive with a faulty Coil On Plug (COP), but not advisable . Driving with a faulty waste spark ignition system won’t be possible. Driving with a faulty coil pack can damage other components of the engine. ... You’ll also learn how to diagnose and replace your faulty coil.

What happens if ignition coil fails?

As the ignition coils are among the ignition system’s most vital components, an issue can cause spark to be compromised, which can quickly lead to performance issues. Faulty coils may cause the vehicle to experience misfires, a rough idle, a loss in power and acceleration, and a reduction in gas mileage .

How often should ignition coils be replaced?

The ignition coil on car is supposed to last around 100,000 miles or more . You will have reduced gas mileage when coil begins to go bad and becomes less able to transfer power. Your car requires more fuel to run, this means you will spend more money on gas than normal.

Is it best to replace all ignition coils at once?

A faulty ignition coil cannot be repaired; it must be replaced . In cases like this, to prevent future problems, your mechanic may recommend replacing all three rear ignition coils. Whenever one of the ignition coils goes bad, it’s also recommended replacing all spark plugs if they haven’t been replaced in a while.

Will changing ignition coil improve performance?

More windings and heavier gauge material for those windings typically improves the performance of a coil. Davis points out however that often even with those changes an upgraded coil can fit within an OEM size case or housing, or one that is only slightly larger.

How much does it cost to replace ignition coils?

Ignition Coil Replacement Cost – RepairPal Estimate. Labor costs are estimated between $51 and $64 while parts are priced between $168 and $218. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.