Ignition and Engine Management

WHAT DOES AN IGNITION COIL DO?

The purpose of the ignition system is to produce an electric spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the internal combustion of a gasoline engine. An ignition system consists of an ignition coil, an ignition switch, a distributor, spark plugs, and spark plug wires.

The ignition coil, also referred to as an induction coil or a coil pack, transforms the battery's low voltage to the high voltage required to produce a spark at the spark plugs.

Here's how the process works:

1. Turning your key in the ignition switch to the ignition position turns on the ignition system.
2. The ignition coil then transforms the battery's low voltage into high voltage.
3. The engine management system tells the ignition coil when to fire the spark plugs.
4. The spark plugs then ignite the air-fuel mixture, which produces combustion to power the engine.

DO I NEED AN IGNITION COIL REPLACEMENT?

If your car's ignition coil is failing, the spark plugs won't fire. As a result, your engine might misfire and have a rough idle, which can cause it to shake or stall and stop running. Other symptoms of a bad ignition coil include trouble starting, decreased fuel economy, and loss of power and acceleration.

If you're noticing signs of a bad ignition coil, you should determine whether it needs to be replaced. You can replace a bad ignition coil by following these steps:

1. Open the hood of your vehicle.
2. Remove the vanity cover from your valve cover (if it has one).
3. Disconnect the battery.
4. Unplug the connector and remove the bolt(s) holding the coil pack in place.
5. Gently pull up on the coil pack to remove it.
6. Insert the new ignition coil, then repeat the steps above in reverse order.

If you prefer to have your vehicle checked by professionals, head to a NAPA AUTOPRO centre near you and let us inspect and service your vehicle for you.

IGNITION SWITCHES, SENSORS, SOLENOIDS, AND MORE!

Shopping for replacement parts for your ignition system? NAPA Auto Parts has over 500,000 top-quality replacement parts for your car, truck, or SUV.

Once you've diagnosed all the signs and symptoms that your ignition system is exhibiting, you may find that you need more than one replacement part to fix your ignition problems.

Here are some ignition replacement parts you may need:

• Ignition coil pack
• Ignition switch
• Ignition cylinder
• Distributor
• Spark plug wires
• Spark plugs
• Electrical connector
• Relays, solenoids, and actuators

Order online and have them delivered to your home, or pick them up at your closest NAPA Auto Parts location.