What is Coil in Car Engine?

Introduction

The ignition coil is a vital part of a car’s engine. It is responsible for converting the low voltage from the battery into the high voltage needed to create a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders.

How Does an Ignition Coil Work?

The ignition coil is a transformer that consists 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 the ignition switch is turned on, current flows through the primary coil. This creates a magnetic field around the coil. The magnetic field then collapses, inducing a current in the secondary coil. The induced current in the secondary coil is much higher than the current in the primary coil, and it is this high voltage current that is used to create the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture.

Types of Ignition Coils

There are two main types of ignition coils: single-coil and multiple-coil.

• Single-coil ignition coils are used in older cars. They have a single primary coil and a single secondary coil.
• Multiple-coil ignition coils are used in newer cars. They have multiple primary coils and multiple secondary coils. This allows for more precise control over the spark timing and duration.

Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Coil

A bad ignition coil can cause a number of problems, including:

• Engine misfires
• Difficulty starting the engine
• Reduced engine power
• Increased fuel consumption
• Check engine light

How to Test an Ignition Coil

If you suspect that your ignition coil may be bad, you can test it using a multimeter.

To test an ignition coil, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the engine and disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Locate the ignition coil.
3. Disconnect the ignition coil wires.
4. Set your multimeter to the ohms setting.
5. Touch one probe of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the ignition coil and the other probe to the negative terminal.
6. The multimeter should read between 0.5 and 2 ohms.

How to Replace an Ignition Coil

If your ignition coil is bad, you will need to replace it. Replacing an ignition coil is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in about 30 minutes.

To replace an ignition coil, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the engine and disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Locate the ignition coil.
3. Disconnect the ignition coil wires.
4. Remove the bolts that hold the ignition coil in place.
5. Lift the ignition coil off of the engine.
6. Place the new ignition coil on the engine.
7. Tighten the bolts that hold the ignition coil in place.
8. Reconnect the ignition coil wires.
9. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

Conclusion

The ignition coil is a vital part of a car’s engine. It is responsible for converting the low voltage from the battery into the high voltage needed to create a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. If the ignition coil fails, the engine will not be able to start or run properly.