It's frustrating when your vehicle no longer performs as it once did. You may observe that, particularly in colder weather, the engine struggles to start or, when it does ignite, it runs unevenly. Power levels might be noticeably diminished as well. Additionally, you might find yourself stopping at the gas station more frequently, indicating that your fuel efficiency has taken a hit.

Indicators of Ignition Issues

Several factors could contribute to these symptoms, with a faulty ignition coil being a primary suspect. The ignition coil converts the battery's voltage, amplifying it before sending the power to the spark plug. This process enables the spark plug to deliver a robust electrical jolt, igniting the fuel in the cylinder and powering the engine.

Typically, there is one ignition coil for each cylinder, or occasionally a coil serves a pair of cylinders. If just one coil fails to generate sufficient electricity, it can severely impact your engine's performance. Additional indicators of a failing ignition coil include engine backfire, oil leaks, and the illumination of the Check Engine light. If that light activates alongside any of these other symptoms, it’s crucial to have your repair facility investigate promptly, as you could be risking further damage to your engine, leading to much more costly repairs.

A technician will use a diagnostic tool to retrieve computer codes that identify the problematic cylinder. They can then perform further diagnostics to eliminate other components that may be causing the engine misfire. While ignition coils typically last for about 100,000 miles/160,000 km, various engine conditions can result in their premature failure.

Ignition Coil Repair in South Beloit 

Your service advisor may recommend replacing all of your ignition coils, even if only one is currently malfunctioning. This is generally a wise decision for high-mileage vehicles, as the other coils could also be nearing failure. It's also prudent to consider this option if your vehicle’s coils are located in difficult-to-access areas, saving you from incurring additional labor costs when another coil inevitably fails. For expert diagnostics and ignition repair in South Beloit, visit Integrity Auto Care.