The ignition coil is a significant component in a car’s ignition system. It transfers power through electrical sparks to the spark plugs. The sparks ignite the air and fuel combination to start the engine and keep it running. Here are signs that you have a faulty ignition coil and should take your car to a Porsche dealer for expert repair.
Backfiring
Engine backfiring is one of the most obvious symptoms that an ignition coil is going bad. It can occur when unused fuel in the combustion cylinders leaves through the exhaust pipe. A backfiring engine is usually identified by a loud cracking noise or the emission of dark smoke. Also, when you smell gasoline in the smoke, you’re likely to have an ignition coil issue.
Check Engine Light Appears
The check engine light is designed to notify you if there’s something wrong with the engine. If you’re having an ignition coil issue, your check engine light will pick this up and turn it on. There are numerous reasons for the check engine light to appear. It may be caused by a faulty catalytic converter or transmission, a loose gas cap, or worn-out spark plugs or plug wires.
The easiest way to know the root cause of the problem is to have an on-board diagnostics check. Codes P0300 to P0312 signify misfires, while codes P0350 to P0362 indicate ignition coil problems.
Engine Misfires
Since ignition coils help to ignite the engine’s air-fuel mixture, a defective coil may cause a misfire. A misfire occurs when either engine cylinder has incomplete or no combustion. You’ll most likely feel hesitation or shaking when the car is running. The issue may intensify when the engine is under a heavy load, for example, when accelerating.
Reduced Fuel Economy
When your gas mileage is worsening, you should be concerned. A bad ignition coil might be eating away at your gas mileage. When this happens, your car consumes more fuel to compensate for the inadequate power transfer between the battery and spark plugs. If you’re heading to your gas pump more frequently than ever, even when you haven’t changed your driving patterns, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
Difficulty Starting the Engine
When your vehicle takes time or won’t start, you may have issues with your ignition coil. While most modern engines have a coil per cylinder, older cars have one primary coil that supplies voltage to all spark plugs. If the single coil fails, none of the cylinders will receive a spark, leading to a car that cranks or doesn’t start.
Immediately you notice any of the above signs, stop by Porsche Stevens Creek. Our factory-trained technicians are always ready to fix whatever issues your Porsche may have.
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