Car Engine Coil
What is a Car Engine Coil?
A car engine coil is an electrical component that is responsible for converting the low voltage from the battery into the high voltage that is needed to create a spark plug. The coil is made up of two coils of wire, a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil is connected to the battery, and the secondary coil is connected to the spark plugs. When an electrical current flows through the primary coil, it creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field then induces a current to flow through the secondary coil, which creates a spark at the spark plugs.
How Does a Car Engine Coil Work?
The car engine coil works by using the principle of electromagnetic induction. When an electrical current flows through a coil of wire, it creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field can then induce a current to flow through another coil of wire that is placed nearby. The strength of the induced current is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field and the number of turns in the coil.
In a car engine coil, the primary coil is connected to the battery, and the secondary coil is connected to the spark plugs. When the ignition switch is turned on, an electrical current flows through the primary coil. This creates a magnetic field, which then induces a current to flow through the secondary coil. The induced current is much stronger than the current that flows through the primary coil, and it is this current that creates the spark at the spark plugs.
Types of Car Engine Coils
There are two main types of car engine coils: internal coils and external coils.
Internal Coils
Internal coils are mounted inside the distributor cap. They are typically used in older cars. Internal coils are less efficient than external coils, and they can be more difficult to replace.
External Coils
External coils are mounted outside of the distributor cap. They are typically used in newer cars. External coils are more efficient than internal coils, and they are easier to replace.
Symptoms of a Bad Car Engine Coil
There are several symptoms that can indicate a bad car engine coil. These symptoms include:
- Engine misfires
- Loss of power
- Rough idle
- Stalling
- Difficulty starting
Causes of a Bad Car Engine Coil
There are several things that can cause a car engine coil to fail. These causes include:
- Overheating
- Electrical shorts
- Mechanical damage
- Wear and tear
How to Replace a Car Engine Coil
Replacing a car engine coil is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour. The following steps will show you how to replace a car engine coil:
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Locate the ignition coil.
- Disconnect the electrical connectors from the ignition coil.
- Remove the bolts that hold the ignition coil in place.
- Lift the ignition coil out of the engine.
- Install the new ignition coil.
- Tighten the bolts that hold the ignition coil in place.
- Connect the electrical connectors to the ignition coil.
- Connect the negative battery terminal.
Conclusion
The car engine coil is an important component that is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine. If the coil fails, the engine will not be able to run. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a bad car engine coil, it is important to have it replaced as soon as possible.