Does Your Chevy Have a Faulty Ignition Coil?

It’s really quite amazing how an ignition coil can continually transform the alternator’s meager 13 or 14 volts into a staggering 25,000 to 40,000 volts for the spark plugs. This high voltage is required to ignite each combustion chamber’s fuel-air mixture several times a second. So if one of your ignition coils falters, your engine will struggle too. Here are six signs you have a faulty ignition coil and should visit your local Chevy dealer to repair or replace it.

Does Your Chevy Have a Faulty Ignition Coil?

You’re Idling Roughly

When an ignition coil stops providing the spark plug with sufficient voltage, that spark plug will begin misfiring. This causes the engine to cough and shake, especially when you slow down at traffic lights or while parking. If your engine starts to struggle while idling, consider having both your spark plugs and ignition coils checked by a technician.

You’re Losing Acceleration power

The steady electrical flow provided by your ignition coils allows your engine to power happily along. So when one or more coils stop doing their job, you’ll notice a sudden reduction in acceleration power. The normally responsive gas pedal of your car will be packing a little less punch than usual. 

Your Exhaust Is Backfiring

Misfiring inside the combustion chambers can lead to a variety of other problems. As the bad ignition coil fails to provide the proper sparking voltage, an excess of unburned fuel builds up inside the chamber. 
This excess fuel might begin igniting in a delayed manner, just as the cylinder is opening. This off-beat explosion will be heard as a loud bang. The unburned fuel can also begin to escape through the exhaust system, where it might ignite inside the catalytic converter, causing an even louder backfire and costly damage to your car. 

You Notice Smoke Behind You

As the excess of unburned fuel escapes through the exhaust system, it often emerges in the form of black smoke. So if you ever notice thick smoke coming from your car’s tailpipe, pull over and check your spark plugs and ignition coils. 

Your Check Engine Light Warns You

When ignition coils fail, the sensors inside your engine will usually quickly pick up the ensuing engine problems. And you’ll soon see the check engine light come to life on your instrument panel. 

Your Chevy Dealer Finds a Fault

Regular checkups at your local dealership are a crucial part of good car maintenance. While servicing your vehicle, the technicians will often find problems that you might not yet have noticed. So if your technician shows you how one of your ignition coils is on its last legs, request to have it cleaned or replaced before it causes any of the problems outlined above.
Visit Crain Chevrolet to have experienced professionals examine your engine’s ignition coils today. We provide personalized customer service and top-notch vehicles to the region’s Chevy drivers. 

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