Defective Ignition. Diagnosis. Cause. Knowledge.

Important info on the ignition coil service

If the vehicle fails to start up, you can hear the engine misfiring or the car accelerates noticeably worse than normal, the ignition coil may be defective. The same applies if the engine warning light illuminates, the engine control unit switches to emergency operating mode or an error code is displayed.

Like many other components, the ignition coil is also subject to a certain degree of wear and tear. Its service life is generally between 60,000 and 80,000 kilometers – but a number of factors may lead to a lower service life.

Incorrect voltage supply

If the ignition cables are damaged or the battery output drops, insufficient voltage is supplied, increasing the time required to charge the ignition coil. In turn, this may damage the ignition module, which could eventually lead to a defect in the ignition coil.

Temperature problems

In particular in the case of pencil coils, the coils are subject to extreme heat. This may also shorten the service life of an ignition coil.

Vibrations

Primarily with pencil coils, as a result of increased vibrations in the cylinder head, the coil may break.

Accuracy of fit of ignition cables and spark plug connectors

The same applies to spark plugs: they have to match the corresponding connections on the ignition coil (DIN is not SAE or M4). If an incorrect connection is used, the contacts burn away.

The correct tools

Ultimately, technically correct tools that meet the manufacturer’s specifications are to be used at all times. This applies in particular where special tools are available. There is therefore a risk of pencil coils installed directly in the spark plug bore tilting and breaking unless tools are used to ensure straight removal. Last but not least, any fastening screws of the ignition coil are always tightened to the correct torque.

Step by Step

Step 1

Diagnosis

Visual inspection

Before the ignition coil inspection, the ignition system should therefore undergo a visual inspection.

1. Is there mechanical damage or cracking?
2. Are the electrical cables and plugs undamaged and free from corrosion and kinks?
3. Is there enough power supply from the battery?
4. Is the valve cover gasket intact?

Where external damage causes cannot be ruled out in this way, one available option is to measure the resistance with an ohmmeter.

Step 2

Diagnosis

Measuring the resistance with an ohmmeter

Conventional ignition coils for transistor ignition systems and electronic ignition systems with an electronic map ignition can be tested when installed, using the electrical resistance in the primary and secondary area.

Step A: Preliminary examination

• Battery voltage at least 11.5 Volts?
• Engine speed sensor functioning?
• Hall sensor intact?
• Fuse on the engine control unit OK?

Step B: Test the power supply

• Remove the primary plug from the coil
• Turn on the ignition
• The voltage between clamp 1 (negative pole) and 15 (positive pole) should be at least 11.5 Volts

Step C: Measure secondary resistance

• Use the ohmmeter to measure the secondary resistance on the outlet of the coil
• UTarget values: Target values should be in the kΩ range (at 20°C)