An ignition coil is a small induction coil within an automobile's combustion system that converts the electrical voltage of the batteries to the high enough voltages required to generate a sufficient electric spark in the gasoline or diesel spark plugs to ignite the gas or diesel fuel. As a result of this process, a car will run without its usual lubrication and emission. However, if these coils become damaged or worn out, a car may not run well even with new oil.

It is therefore important for maintenance of the engine to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle. The main tasks for checking and replacing a car ignition coil are to: check if it is worn out; check if the wires to the spark plug have been damaged; check if the rubber gaskets are wearing out. If your engine works without starting because the power is weak from worn out coils, the alternator could be charging too low. In this case, you must replace the engine.

It is important for maintenance of the car ignition coil to ensure that it is not damaged or worn out by extreme heat such as blasting hot weather, welding, intense cold and fire. Damage could also result if the wires to the spark plug terminals have been damaged. If the current is low when the cylinder is cold and the power is high at the same time, the cylinder may not fire when you try to start your vehicle.

One way to test the condition of the ignition coils is to pull them out using a pair of insulated cable testers. You need to place the center of one of the wires to the terminals of the spark plug into a small hole. In the same position, place the other wire into another small hole. After a few seconds, look at the indicator for a small white dot that indicates that the secondary winding of the battery is now in function.

If the indicators do not confirm, it could be due to a couple of reasons. One reason could be that there are lead sulfate crystals on the terminals. If you are planning to change the ignition coils or the entire engine, it is important to check it with a voltmeter to determine the amount of voltage that is flowing through it. A negative voltage will lower the voltage and prevent the power from reaching the battery. Therefore, when you replace an ignition coil or parts, make sure that you have purchased an insulating ignition coil instead of an epoxy resin filled type.

Other problems can include a bad ignition coils, hard starts and also engine overheating. It is necessary to first open the hood and locate the problem areas. After you get to know the symptoms properly, you can take steps to rectify the malfunction by replacing the bad ignition coils, checking the coolant level in the radiator and also replacing some parts.