Recognizing the symptoms of a bad ignition coil may help you fix the problem before it gets worse. Here are the signs you need to know about a bad ignition coil.
backfire
This is one of the most common early symptoms of a damaged ignition coil, which occurs once unused fuel from the combusted cylinder reaches the vehicle's exhaust system.
It shouldn't be too difficult to detect this problem, as a flashback is usually accompanied by black smoke with a strong gasoline smell.
Fixing the problem once you notice it is of the utmost importance, as it can cause expensive car parts to fail.
fuel economy drops
If you start noticing that your vehicle needs more fuel than before to drive the same mileage, you should check the ignition coil, as this may be the reason why you are consuming more fuel than usual.
engine misfire
Sputtering and coughing noises from engine stalls are clear signs that the ignition coil is not working properly.
Also, your vehicle may vibrate when the engine is idling and may shake during acceleration. All of these symptoms indicate that the ignition coil is worn and needs to be inspected and replaced.
engine stall
A stall occurs after a faulty ignition coil sends a bad spark to the spark plugs causing the car to stall. Also, restarting the vehicle can be difficult and it may take multiple attempts to get the engine running.
reduce engine power
If you find that your car takes more time to reach a certain speed, then you should check to see if the ignition coil is still working.
engine light on
Your vehicle is equipped with a system that notifies you when a car part is not functioning properly. Car diagnostic tools can help you determine why the engine light is on, if you detect a P0351 code, it means the ignition coil is bad.
car won't start
If you can't start your vehicle, you may need to replace the ignition coil before you can drive your car again.