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Ignition coil - function, task and manufacturers

The ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the gasoline engine requires a high electric voltage, by means of which a spark at the electrodes of the spark plug will occur. The task of the ignition coil in this case is to convert the usual battery voltage of 12 volts into the required high voltage. So, an ignition coil is similarly constructed as a transformer, which uses the principle of electromagnetic induction. It consists essentially of a laminated iron core which carries two coils, the primary and secondary winding, made of copper wires. At the moment of ignition, the primary winding is traversed by current, thereby inducing a high voltage in the secondary winding. From there, the high voltage passes through the ignition cable to the spark plug. An ignition coil can generate a voltage between 15,000 and 30,000 volts, depending on the model. It has a cylindrical housing and it is located in the engine compartment of the vehicle. There are coils in different types for different, nowadays conventional ignition systems. Among the leading brands of ignition coils are BOSCH, BERU, NGK, JANMOR, HELLA, HITACHI and VALEO.

Ignition coil lifespan and causes for defects

The life of an ignition coil is shortened by the constant mechanical and thermal effects. A mileage limit is somewhere between 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. The exact life span can, however, vary widely. Older ignition coils are often damaged by overheating due to internal short circuiting. Possible mechanical damages are versatile and can be caused for instance by strong engine vibrations, marten damage or leaking engine oil. This leads to faulty cables or a coil breakage.

When the ignition coil is faulty - Check and replacement of the ignition coil

Technically savvy individuals can check and if necessary replace an ignition coil themselves. A faulty ignition coil often manifests itself through an unstable or bucking engine, especially at lower speed ranges and during warm-up phase. Misfires can also be a common symptom. The electrical check is made with resistance measurement. Depending on the design of the ignition coil the primary winding resistance should have a resistance between 0.3 and 2 ohms, and the secondary winding between 8 and 19 kilohms. Exact instructions for checking and replacing the ignition coil can be found on the internet and in technical literature. You can get a new ignition coil, as well as various other parts for numerous car brands, cost-effective in our online shop.