You Should Know This About Your Car Ignition Coils
Does your car fail to function smoothly and steadily? Is the fuel consumption higher than expected? All this and several other issues can be found if your ignition coils are failing. This critical component provides the spark necessary for igniting the fuel and makes your vehicle run. If you are driving with an ignition coil that has gone bad, then you will be compromising on the fuel efficiency, will have trouble while starting your car and the overall engine performance will decline. Use this guide to help you find the best ignition coils for your vehicle.
1. What Is The Function Of The Ignition Coil?
2. What Are The Types Of Ignition System?
- Distributor Ignition System
- High Energy (Electronic) Ignition System
- Distributorless (Waste Spark) Ignition System
- Coil-on Plug (Direct) Ignition System
3. What Are The Things I Should Consider When Buying Ignition Coils?
4. Which Top-brand Ignition Coil Should I Choose?
5. Why Do My Ignition Coils Fail?
- Can you drive with bad Ignition Coil?
6. What Are The Signs That My Ignition Coil Is Faulty?
- Backfiring
- Poor Fuel Economy
- Engine Misfiring
- Engine Jerking, Rough idling, Poor Power
- Vehicle Stalling
- Check Engine Light On
- Engine Hard Starting
7. How Much Will It Cost Me To Replace The Ignition Coil?
- What Ignition Coil do I need?
1 What Is The Function Of The Ignition Coil?
An ignition coil, also known as the spark coil is an important component of the ignition system. The primary job of the ignition coil is to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine for the combustion to take place. For this, thousands of volts are needed, but the car battery has only 12 volts. So the ignition coil transforms the low voltage into thousands of volts that is needed so that the vehicle can start and run. In older ignition systems, only one coil was used. However, the recent models use one coil for each cylinder.
How many ignition coils are in a car?
Ignition coils play a crucial role in the engine’s ignition system. They allow spark plugs to ignite the air+fuel mixture in the individual cylinders. The number of ignition coils in a car depends on the number of cylinders present in the engine and also whether it uses 1 ignition coil per cylinder or 1 ignition coil per pair of cylinders. Generally speaking, your car will have 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 ignition coils
Top Picks For Ignition Coil
2 What Are The Types Of Ignition System?
Distributor Ignition System
This is one of the oldest types of the ignition system and is also known as the conventional breaker point ignition system. Due to the mechanical nature of this ignition system, and the duration of their operation, diagnosis and repair and relatively simple. However, they do have several moving parts, increasing the risk for failures. Furthermore, damage to these systems can negatively impact the maximum spark energy throughout the engine life, causing repeated misfires and increased emissions.
High Energy (Electronic) Ignition System
In order to overcome the drawbacks of the distributor ignition system, electronic ignition systems were introduced by the auto manufacturers. This system also replaces the breaker point and condenser in an ignition coil with a transistorised switch which also helps to produce a high voltage current by activating the ignition coil. This could be advantageous because the use of an electronic switch means there are less moving parts than the conventional type while at the same time they are easy to diagnose and repair. This system can also provide a reliable, high voltage spark throughout the engine’s life, which ensures less misfires. So this system was introduced to replace the conventional types, they still use a distributor cap and rotor to distribute current to the spark plugs. Usage of distributor means they will wear out eventually, which needs replacement and additional repair cost. The ignition timing cannot be monitored as accurately as with modern technologies, which will result in lethargic acceleration and poor fuel efficiency.
Distributorless (Waste Spark) Ignition System
Just as the name implies, this system eliminates the distributor completely. Instead of two, three, or more ignition coils were packed together. A magnetic triggering device can determine the engine speed and the crankshaft position. This triggering device sends a signal to the ECM which sends energy to the coil. This system was beneficial as they were designed to generate high voltage. Added to this, the ignition timing can be managed accurately for lower emissions. Also, lesser moving parts means lower maintenance costs but diagnosing any faults can become harder and more expensive than traditional systems. This system will also need double platinum plugs because of reverse firing.
Coil-on Plug (Direct) Ignition System
Of all the ignition systems, this is the sophisticated one, as it directly places an ignition coil on each spark plug and is best suited for modern engines. Depending on the input from various sensors, the Engine Control Unit handles the ignition timing. High voltage spark plug wires are completely eliminated as each spark plug has its own coil. Direct ignition systems are highly beneficial for several reasons. As there are no moving parts, the maintenance cost will be low. It can be difficult to diagnose and repairs can be expensive when compared with a traditional system. But as the maintenance cost is low, the repairs will be less frequent. The ignition timing can be controlled and high voltage can be generated with the help of ECU just like in the distributorless ignition system.
3 What Are The Things I Should Consider When Buying Ignition Coils?
Buying an ignition coil for your vehicle can sometimes be a confusing task. As there are countless options available for several makes and models, you may be confused as to what you should look out for when buying ignition coils. To help prevent that confusion, here are a few things that you should consider before you get one.
A. Compatibility
This is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing ignition coils. There are different models available in the market today and each one is designed to fit certain car engines. So, before you make any purchase, ensure that the chosen ignition coil goes well with your vehicle.
B. Number Of Coils
Each coil is connected to its own spark plug in modern cars. The vehicle you use can help you understand how many coils are needed. For instance, if you have a V8 engine, then you will have to replace 8 ignition coils if they start failing. So, it’s always best to determine the number of coils your vehicle requires, so that you can get the exact number or more.
C. Accessories
Accessories can always make your deals sweeter. They are always an added plus, that can help in the overall functioning of the coil. But before you buy them, compare the prices. This can help you know if it is a good deal.
D. Brands
There are some well-known brands available in the market and one such example is Bosch as they manufacture high-performance ignition coils. Ignition coils from well-known brands are usually of high quality and can be the best replacements you can get so far. So it is important to know these trusted brands as you can narrow down your options.
E. Warranty
One of the best features every person has to look out for is the warranty of the product. Anything can happen after an investment. While there are ignition coils with a 1-year warranty, there are others with a lifetime warranty. It is always best to invest in a product that has a lifetime warranty because it ensures that the investment is effectively secured till the day it completes serving its purpose and needs replacement.
4 Which Top-brand Ignition Coil Should I Choose?
Delphi Ignition Coil
The electrical energy needed for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of the engine is given by Delphi Ignition Coils. They are designed to satisfy a broad range of constantly changing combustion tuning specifications. Delphi Ignition Coils are also engineered in order for producers to deliver the best engine efficiency, exhaust emissions, and fuel economy targets under all operating conditions and the maximum speed range.
Part Numbers: GN10328, GN10638, GN10571, and more.
Features:
- Enhanced dwell accuracy reduces module and coil temperatures for improved confidence.
- Lamination noise reduction content reduces audible coil noise
- The primary connector has been modified to make assembly more convenient compared with the prototypes with one connector per coil
- Lower primary inductance gives a fast output
- Early and reliable electronic functioning leads to fuel-saving and quicker run-up
- Greater fuel energy source ensures safer combustion to assist manufacturers in compliance with the criteria for on-board diagnostics (OBD II).
- Composite iron coils deliver programmable strength
- Coil per dwell cylinder overlaps electronics boost high speed and heat dissipation in contrast with other traditional techniques.
- The coil per cylinder ramp and fire electronics decreases power dissipation and increases performance
For more information and a detailed product line, visit Delphi Ignition Coil Section.
Bosch Ignition Coil
All Bosch ignition coils are engineered to meet or exceed the OE criteria and are known for their durability and efficiency in the industry. Ignition coils from Bosch transform low-voltage to high ignition system voltage, generating an electric spark sent to ignite the fuel in the spark plugs.
Part Number: 0221504470, 0221604115, 0221504800, and more.
Features:
- Meets or exceeds OEM specification
- Excellent stability and protection against corrosion
- Direct fit application
- Reduced automotive fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
- Ensure smooth engine output with stable voltage
- Backed by Bosch Limited Lifetime Warranty
For more information and a detailed product line, visit Bosch Ignition Coil Section.
Bluestreak Ignition Coil
Part Number: DR39, FD478, FD509, and more.
Features:
- Built for spark energy output, impedance, and sustainability and tested to equal or surpass OE
- Checked at 7200 RPM under intense engine output
- Advanced thermoplastic coil connector guarantees adequate contact and resists hot- and thermal cycling fractures
- High-temp boot prevents high-voltage leaks, while stainless-steel spring provides a proper connection with spark plug
- High-impact housing material assures superior epoxy bonding under all working environments for longer lives
- Internal permanent magnet core of neodymium, surrounded by magnetically oriented steel, allows high-voltage output to be maximized at any speed.
- Main (22-gauge) and secondary 44-gauge copper wire guarantee high voltage availability for high output while improved bobbins avoid voltage flickering for long life.
- High-grade insulation copper wires guarantee thermal tolerance and avoid a high-voltage loss
- Optimally developed wire delivery by rigorous research guarantees superior operating parameters and long life.
- Isolators made from high-voltage thermoplastics avoid premature coil failure.
Standard and Intermotor:
- In order to increase the reliability and to improve the resistance to internal shorts and Dielectric breakups, our ignition bobbins use 100 % pure copper windings
- Our premium ignition coils consist of a special mixed formula for optimal efficiency and the longest life.
- A complete E-Lam silicon steel core and a sturdy high tension brass terminal guard against corrosion. Our ignition coils are optimized for optimum voltage.
- Main and secondary windings have enamel magnetic wire with the best aftermarket temperature rating
- Our ignition coils are built to a high degree of consistency as a manufacturer with engineering and design skills
- As a global supplier of original ignition systems, we retain full control of the quality from the component to the final product during the development process.
T-Series:
- High-performance laminations maximize the build-up of the magnetic field to achieve high energy consumption and high performance.
- The Standard® T-Series DIS ignition coils are made of steel or aluminum as shown by the OE
For more information and a detailed product line, visit Bluestreak Ignition Coil Section.
Denso Ignition Coil
Part Number: 673-6004, 673-7000, 673-6200, and more.
Features:
- Enhanced coil performance eliminates the need for high voltage generation
- Circuit driving is integrated into the coil top
- A cylindrical ignition coil prohibits the use of ignition wires.
For more information and a detailed product line, visit Denso Ignition Coil Section.
5 Why Do My Ignition Coils Fail?
While the ignition coils are built to last, their increasing demands will lead to failure. Their primary reasons are:
A. Damaged Spark Plugs/wires
A weak spark plug or overly reactive spark plug wire allows the output voltage of the coil to raise – the coil can destroy the internal insulation of the spark plugs if the voltage exceeds a safe threshold, causing both the spark plug and the coil to fail. This can cause poor performance, leading to ignition malfunctions under load or poor starting.
B. Excessive Spark Plug Gap
The gap between the two electrodes will wear as spark plugs wear, showing that the coil now has to produce higher voltage to bridge it. The added pressure on the coil will lead to an overload of voltage which will cause overheating.
C. Damage Because Of Vibration
Constant wear and tear from the engine vibration can weaken the windings and insulation of the ignition coil. This can cause the secondary windings to break. Likewise, the electrical attachment can be loosened at the spark plug which makes the coil work overtime to ignite the spark plug.
D. Overheating
Ignition coils are often subjected to higher engine temperatures because of their location. This will decrease the coil’s ability to conduct electricity, which influences both its efficiency and its reliability.
E. Varying Resistance
A short or low winding resistance of the coil can increase the electrical flow of the coil causing damage to the whole ignition system. Resistance variations can also create a weak spark that does not start the car.
F. Excessive moisture
This can most likely happen because of oil leakage from the failed valve cover gasket. The oil that is built up can damage both the ignition coil and the spark plug. For eg, water may also enter the system from the A/C condensation. In both cases, it is necessary to address the root cause, so that you can avoid repeated failures. To prevent similar issues in the future, it is necessary to deal with the underlying cause.
Can you drive with bad Ignition Coil?
Driving with a bad ignition coil is not recommended. A faulty ignition coil can cause misfires, poor fuel economy, stalling, and other issues that can affect the performance of your vehicle. If you have a coil that only started occasionally malfunctioning, you can drive for a couple of days or weeks. However, it’s best to address the issue as soon as possible. When the coil malfunctions, there is a chain of events in the engine that you would not want to occur. For example, the fuel that is sprinkled into the combustion chamber by the injector doesn’t burn because there is no spark, and this fuel will get to the exhaust system and can also go down the cylinder block and appear in the oil.
6 What Are The Signs That My Ignition Coil Is Faulty?
The ignition coil is a small engine component, but it has lots of responsibilities. The engine will not start if the ignition coil is faulty. Faulty ignition coils that are not addressed quickly can lead to expensive repairs. Here are a few signs that your ignition coil is faulty.
Backfiring
One of the very first symptoms of a faulty ignition coil can be backfiring. This likely happens when unused fuel is emitted through the exhaust system. This issue has to be resolved quickly else you will end up with costly exhaust repairs. The major symptoms of exhaust damage are black smoke or gasoline smell.
Poor Fuel Economy
If your ignition coil doesn’t transmit sufficient energy, then it has to burn and use additional fuel. This is the only way you can keep your vehicle going. If your vehicle gets less mileage than it already should, then it is a sign of a faulty ignition coil.
Engine Misfiring
If your engine misfires, then you may be having a problem with the ignition coil. You may also experience vibration, a loss of power, decreased fuel economy, or a rougher ride while driving. A misfiring can most often sound like coughing or sputtering noise which means one of the engine’s cylinders is not firing properly.
Engine Jerking, Rough idling, Poor Power
Engine performance issues are one of the most common symptoms associated with faulty ignition coils. As ignition coils are part of the ignition system, even a slight issue can cause a spark and lead to performance issues. Faulty coils can cause the vehicle to jerk, experience a rough idle and hesitation while accelerating. You may feel as if you’re missing some power while driving.
Vehicle Stalling
If your vehicle stalls often, then you will undergo abrupt stops and starts. You may feel frustrated to drive and needless to mention, quite dangerous too. If one or more ignition coil fails, then your vehicle will stall. The faulty coils will send irregular sparks and prevent the engine from running smoothly.
Check Engine Light On
If the ignition coils are faulty, it will lead to performance issues, specifically misfiring. The check engine light will pick this up and turn it on. Never ignore this. The easiest way to check this is by using a car diagnostic tool. The engine code P0300 to P0312 shows misfires, and P0350 to P0362 is for ignition coil issues
Engine Hard Starting
If you have trouble starting your vehicle, then you may think it’s because of the battery. Sometimes, the ignition coils can be the real culprit and this can likely occur if you are using a single coil. A malfunctioned coil can cause the engine to crank without sparks inside the cylinder.
7 How Much Will It Cost Me To Replace The Ignition Coil?
The cost of an ignition coil will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. The average cost can range between $200 to $400. This includes labor and parts costs. The parts can cost around $165 to $250 whereas the labor cost can range from $99 to $130. So if you can install the ignition coil on your own, then you can save this money. The amount you spend usually depends on whether you are fixing by yourself or taking it to a mechanic.
What Ignition Coil do I need?
Choosing the right ignition coil for your car depends on the make and model of your vehicle. The number of ignition coils in a car depends on the number of cylinders present in the engine and also whether it uses 1 ignition coil per cylinder or 1 ignition coil per pair of cylinders. Generally speaking, your car will have 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 ignition coils.
It’s important to note that the best ignition coil brand for your car may depend on the make and model of your vehicle. Some popular brands include Delphi, ENA, MAS, AA, and Beru.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional mechanic before making any purchases.
Delphi Ignition Coil – Part Number Catalog
| Category | Part Numbers |
| Delphi Ignition Coil | GM10168, GN10119, GN10494, GN10633, GN10426, GN10560, GN10316, GN10114, GN10370 |
Bosch Ignition Coil – Part Number Catalog
| Category | Part Numbers |
| Bosch Ignition Coil | 0221604700, 0221504048, 0221504465, 0986221058, 0221604010, 0221504029 0221604008, 0986221024, 0221503035 |
Bluestreak Ignition Coil – Part Number Catalog
| Category | Part Numbers |
| Bluestreak Ignition Coil | UF400, UF411, UF378, FD508, UF667, UF262, UF648, UF622, UF303, UF504, UF341, UF575, UF569, UF413, UF553 |
