The ignition coil (Ignition coil) is an element of the ignition system that generates a high-voltage pulse of electrical energy, converting the low-voltage voltage from a battery or generator. Thanks to the short circuit, it becomes possible to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the power unit. This happens with the help of a spark that occurs between the electrodes of the spark plug. However, if there is no spark, the vehicle will not function properly.
If there is no spark from the ignition coil, but you are in motion, this can be determined by a number of signs. For example, if the power unit began to “triple” or work incorrectly, then the reason may be in the short circuit. This is due to the design of modern cars and engines: unlike old cars, today motors are designed in such a way that if the coil fails, the unit continues to work. Intermittent, but work even when it comes to a single coil motor model.
Other signs are also directly related to the operation of the power plant, for example, it can start to function in jerks, power decreases, and so on. In such a situation, a comprehensive diagnosis should be carried out, since the source of problems may not be a short circuit, but a candle or other elements of the car. The situation is complicated by the fact that the signs of breakdowns in these cases are very similar.
What should be the spark from the ignition coil
There are several ways to check the performance of a short circuit in a car. One of them is called “on the spark”, and car owners can use it even on the road, being far from the car service. To check the performance of the short circuit using this method, follow a number of steps:
Inspect the high voltage wire that runs from the spark plugs to the coil for insulation integrity. The ignition must first be turned off.
If the insulation is not broken, you can start checking the short circuit: you need to remove the tip from the spark plug of the first cylinder and connect it to another, prepared in advance, serviceable spark plug. In case of insulation failure on the wiring, it will need to be replaced.
Start your car. If the short circuit is functioning correctly, a spark of a certain color will appear between the electrodes. Wiring or ignition coil problems should be expected if the color is faint and yellow. Under normal conditions, the hue will be bright purple. The coil is faulty and needs to be repaired or replaced if there is no spark at all.Why there is no spark from the ignition coil: which causes problems
Today, even modern short circuits have a certain resource, having worked out which these parts fail. Service life differs from component to component, but there are risk factors. Because of them, SCs develop their resource faster, subsequently losing the ability to create a spark.
These factors are:
moisture ingress on any part of the device;
destruction of internal insulation due to overheating, which ultimately leads to the burnout of the short circuit.If one of these factors began to affect the ignition coil, its final breakdown may not occur immediately, but after some time. Simultaneously with this process, while the KZ is still working, the car owner may notice the following signs, signaling the presence of problems with the part:
misfiring, during which the power unit begins to triple;
during acceleration, the motor power decreases;
the engine automatically switches to safe-mode and continues to work in it;
the check engine light came on on the dashboard;
it is impossible to start the vehicle.It is important to note that in such situations, the short circuit often not only stops giving a spark, but also finally breaks down. If this happens, the car owner will need to order a new part and replace the faulty one, since the ignition coils are not repairable.