When it comes to your car, nothing is more important than the ignition coil. This component helps start your engine and keeps it running smoothly. Unfortunately, if it fails, your car will not start. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to test an ignition coil—to identify issues early and get them fixed before they cause big problems. In this blog post, we will teach you how to do just that. ###
What is an ignition coil?
An ignition coil is a small, electronic device that helps starting engines. It consists of two coils of wire and is usually located in the distributor cap. When you turn the key to start your car, the coil sends an electrical signal to the spark plugs, which ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine. If the coil fails, it won’t send a good enough signal to the spark plugs, and your car won’t start.
How to test an ignition coil
If your car is not starting, there is a good chance that the ignition coil needs to be replaced. Testing an ignition coil can help determine if this is the case. The following steps will show you how to test an ignition coil.
The first step is to remove the spark plugs from the engine. Next, connect a voltmeter between the spark plug leads and ground. Turn the engine over so that it’s running at idle speed and measure the voltage. The reading should be around 12 volts or less. If it’s higher than 12 volts, then the ignition coil needs to be replaced.
How to replace an ignition coil
If you’re having trouble starting your car, checking the ignition coil may give you some clues as to what’s wrong. Ignition coils use a magnetic field to start the engine, and if the coil isn’t working properly, the car may not be able to turn over. Here’s how to replace an ignition coil:
1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2) Remove the screws that hold the dashboard in place.
3) Loosen the screws that hold the steering wheel in place.
4) Carefully pull down on the steering wheel until it pops off of the column.
5) Pry up at least one screw on each side of the ignition coil cover (1 per side), then gently pull off the cover.
6) Gently remove any debris or corrosion from around the spark plugs with a clean cloth or vacuum cleaner.
7) Replace one spark plug per cylinder (front-to-rear). Make sure that each plug is seated fully in its socket before tightening down the retaining bolt. Repeat for all spark plugs.
8) Replace any missing or damaged wires, gaskets, or seals as necessary. Reattach everything in reverse order, paying particular attention to replacing any Phillips head screws that were removed.