Your Car's Important Ignition Coil: What You Need to Know

What Is an Ignition Coil and How to Tell If It’s Failing

Here in Charlestown, we love when the sparks fly at a good party; but not when those sparks cause problems. So, here at Meineke, we suggest the sparks we stick to are the ones that are generated by spark plugs and your car's ignition coil.

The ignition coil is an important part in your vehicle’s ignition system. And its primary job is to convert the 12 volts from your car battery into the thousands of volts needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine's cylinders. But, without a properly functioning ignition coil, your engine will struggle to start, run inefficiently, or fail entirely. So, in this blog the experts at Meineke in Charlestown dive into the signs of a failing ignition coil and what to do if you suspect a problem.

Signs of a Failing Ignition Coil

A failing ignition coil can cause several very noticeable issues. So, let's take a look at how to identify the key symptoms to watch for.

Engine Misfires or Stalling

• Misfires happen when the air-fuel mixture in one or more cylinders doesn’t ignite correctly. So, you might notice rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, or even your engine stalling unexpectedly.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

• A faulty ignition coil can cause incomplete combustion, forcing your engine to use more fuel than necessary. So, if your gas mileage suddenly drops, it could be a sign of ignition coil trouble.

Difficulty Starting the Engine

• If the ignition coil can’t generate enough voltage, your engine may crank for an extended time or fail to start altogether.

Check Engine Light

• A malfunctioning ignition coil often triggers the Check Engine Light on your dashboard. So, call Meineke in Charlestown. Because they can use their OBD-II scanner to check for error codes related to ignition coil issues.

Reduced Engine Performance

• Loss of power, sluggish acceleration, or a generally underperforming engine can all point to a failing ignition coil.

What to Do If You Suspect a Problem

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to address the issue quickly. Because, ignoring a failing ignition coil can lead to more severe engine damage or costly repairs. So, schedule an appointment with the ASE certified mechanics at Meineke on Market Street in Charlestown to test the ignition coil and replace it if necessary to restore your vehicle's performance. Also, regular maintenance, such as replacing spark plugs and inspecting your ignition system, can help prevent ignition coil failures and keep your car running smoothly.

If the Meineke in Charlestown is not a convenient auto repair center for you, here are a few of the many other car repair centers in Indiana:

Meineke Car Care - Charleston Rd.
3723 Charlestown Road
New Albany, IN 47150
Call (844) 327-8849

Meineke Car Care - Market St.
321 Market Street
Charlestown, IN 47111
Call (877) 311-4756

Meineke Car Care - E. 10th St.
1734 E 10th Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Call (812) 972-7557