Boil of ignition: how to test it?

The ignition coil plays a crucial role In the correct functioning of an internal combustion engine.

As Component of the ignition systemtransforms the low battery voltage into a high voltage necessary to create a spark in the candles, thus triggering the combustion of the Air power mixture in the engine.

If the ignition coil works badly, it can cause ignition failures, loss of power, difficulty starting or even a Complete vehicle failure.

Symptoms of a defective ignition coil

Before testing an ignition coil, it is important Know the warning signals of a failure. Here are some common symptoms:

• Difficult start : If your car is struggling to start, it may be due to a failure ignition coil that does not send current enough to candles.
• Ignition failures : The faults or shades in the engine may indicate that some candles do not receive spark, which could be caused by a defective coil.
• Loss of power : If the engine suddenly loses the power or works irregularly, it can also be a sign of problem with the ignition coil.
• Increase in fuel consumption : A bankruptcy coil in bankruptcy can make the engine ineffective, with consequent fuel consumption.
• Engine witness light : If the engine anomaly lights up on the dashboard, this can be connected to a failure of the ignition system, including the coil.

The tools necessary to test a ignition coil

To perform the ignition coil test, you will need the following tools:

• A multimeter : This device is essential to measure the resistance and continuity of the circuits.
• A socket key : To remove the coil if it is mounted directly on the candles.
• A reserve candle : Allows you to check the production of sparks.

5 steps to test a ignition coil with a multimeter

The multimeter is the most commonly used tool to test an ignition coil.

Measures the resistance through the primary and secondary winding of the coil. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Move the battery

Before starting any manipulation, it is essential Disconnect the battery Vehicle to avoid any risk of electrocution or short circuit. Drain the negative battery terminal first.

2. Remove the ignition coil

If the ignition coil is mounted directly on the candle, it is necessary to use a socket key to remove it. In some vehicles, it may be necessary to remove the surrounding components to access it.

3. Measuring the resistance of primary windings

The ignition coil consists of two circuits: primary winding and secondary winding. The main winding is the one that receives the low battery voltage. To test it, it is necessary to measure the resistance through the positive and negative terminals of the coil.

• Regulates the multimeter in the resistance measurement position (Ohm).
• Place the multimeter probes on the positive (+) and negative (-) coil terminals.
• The resistance must be between 0.4 and 2 ohm depending on the coil model. If the measured value is outside this beach, the coil is probably defective.

4. Measuring the resistance of secondary windings

The secondary winding is the one that sends the high voltage to the ignition candles. To test this winding, it is necessary to measure the resistance between the positive terminal of the coil and the high voltage exit (in which the coil connects to the candle).

• Place a multimeter probe on the positive terminal (+) and the other on the high voltage terminal.
• Resistance should be between 6,000 and 15,000 ohm. Once again, if the value is very outside this beach, the coil can be defective.

5. Check continuity circuits

In addition to the resistance, you can also use the multimeter to check the continuity of the circuits.

If the multimeter indicates an absence of continuity, this means that there is a problem with the internal windings of the coil and must be replaced.

When to replace a ignition coil?

If, after performing these tests, discover that the ignition coil has an absence of continuity or does not produce a spark, it is very likely that The coil is defective.

In this case, it is recommended to replace the ignition coil to avoid other engine damage and guarantee the correct operation of the vehicle.

The test of a ignition coil is an essential step in the diagnosis of the start and engine operating problems.

With the right tools and a little patience, you can easily determine if the coil is the cause of the problem e Take the necessary measures to remedy.