How to Recognize the Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil

The ignition coil, or spark coil, is like the unsung hero behind your Toyota’s smooth ride and great performance. This nifty little device is what sparks life into your engine, converting battery voltage into a high-voltage spark that ignites fuel in the engine. If your car has a faulty ignition coil, you should visit your Toyota dealer immediately for repairs.

Misfiring Engine

When the spark coil is faulty, it can fail to deliver the necessary electric charge to the spark plugs. This can cause the engine to misfire, creating a noticeable jerk in the car’s operation. If you experience frequent engine misfires, it’s a wise idea to have your ignition inspected to avoid further issues.

Loss of Power During Acceleration

The ignition’s main job is to supply the high voltage needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine. If the coil is faulty, it might not provide enough voltage, resulting in a weak spark. As a result, the fuel fails to ignite properly, which reduces the engine’s power output.

A loss of power can cause the car to feel sluggish or less responsive, especially when accelerating or going up a hill. If you find yourself flooring the gas pedal, but your Toyota isn’t picking up speed, you should replace the faulty ignition.

Car Won’t Start or Stalls

If the coil isn’t providing enough voltage to cause a spark, the vehicle won’t start. If the spark coil isn’t providing enough power to keep the engine running smoothly, the car will stall when idling or running at low speeds. Replace the coils immediately to avoid being stuck by the roadside if the car fails to start.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

When your Toyota’s ignition starts to fail, it can disrupt the optimal air-fuel mixture in the engine. This causes the engine to burn more fuel than it should, lowering the car’s fuel efficiency. If your car is consuming more fuel despite no change in your driving habits, check and replace the faulty spark coil.

Sputtering or Popping Sounds

The inadequate spark caused by a faulty ignition module can lead to incomplete combustion in the engine. This can cause your engine to produce sputtering or popping sounds. If unburned fuel escapes from the engine and ignites in the exhaust system, it can produce a loud, startling bang.

Check Engine Light Comes On

The check engine light can indicate many issues, including a faulty spark coil. If the light is on and you are noticing other signs like loss of power and misfires, it might be the coil waving a red flag. The light should go off once you get a new spark coil.

If you don’t fix your faulty spark coil, it can cause significant damage to your engine. If you notice any of these signs, contact us at Toyota of Kingsport to schedule immediate repairs.

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