If your car starts sputtering and shaking one day, you might
have a faulty
ignition coil. The ignition coil in each of the engine’s cylinders
generates a high voltage of electricity that allows the spark plugs to keep
igniting the fuel. So when an ignition coil fails, the engine struggles to
function as usual. Here are five signs that you may need to have at least one
ignition coil replaced at your local Ford dealership.
Your Engine Sounds Unhealthy
Ordinarily, the engine of a modern Ford car should have a
smooth and healthy sound at all times. If you notice it suddenly starts to
sputter, cough, and judder, then a spark plug inside your cylinders is probably
misfiring.
This might be due to a problem with the spark plug itself, or perhaps the
airflow into the combustion chambers has been disrupted. But it might also be a
failing ignition coil that’s no longer providing sufficient voltage for the
spark plug to function properly.
You’re No Longer Idling Smoothly
Whenever you pause to rest in idle, such as when waiting at
an intersection, your engine is put under a little more pressure. But if
everything is working well, the engine shouldn’t have any trouble with idling,
even for extended periods.
When an ignition coil is failing, however, at least one combustion chamber will
really start to find idling very difficult. This is why you’re most likely to
first notice misfiring when you slow down or pause with the engine still
on.
Your Car Suddenly Stalls
When an ignition coil gives out altogether, the spark plug
won’t fire at all. In this case, you might find yourself suddenly stalling at
inopportune moments. You might also have trouble starting your engine again,
especially if more than one ignition coil has failed.
Your Car Starts Backfiring
When a faulty coil causes misfiring, an excess of unburned
fuel can build up inside the combustion chamber. This excess fuel may
eventually start seeping back into the exhaust system, where it can ignite,
causing a loud bang and black smock to emerge from the tailpipe.
Your Check Engine Light Comes On
Fortunately, modern Ford vehicles are equipped with an
impressive array of highly sensitive computerized sensors. These sensors will
usually pick up on the problems caused by a faltering ignition coil before you
do. You’ll then see the check engine light come alive on your dashboard,
prompting you to have a technician take a look.
How Often To Replace Ignition Coils at Your Ford Dealer
High-quality
OEM ignition coils in modern Ford cars can last 100,000 miles or more in a
well-kept car. But sometimes this lifespan can be diminished by a faulty spark
plug or other combustion chamber problems. The excessive heat and dusty
environments we sometimes have around Little Rock also tend to take a toll on
ignition coils.
Have your ignition coils
checked, repaired, or replaced today at Crain Ford of Little Rock. We’re a
family-owned dealership with family members working on-site every day, and we
believe in treating our customers like family too.
