Ignition Coil

The ignition coil is vital to the vehicle as it allows the electric current to travel to the engine and it produces a spark plug. This spark plug is generated by the battery's low voltage into the high voltage power and it fires up the fuel into the chambers.

Basic Principles

The ignition coil is made out of laminated iron core which is then crowded by two coils made out of copper wire. Also the ignition coil has an exposed magnetic circuit, and does not form a loop. And the energy that the magnetic field contains sends the energy to the spark plug.

The coil is usually inserted into metal object or plastic case with high and low connections. And when contact breakers close, it allows current from the battery to travel to the ignition coil. Once the current has reached its max it will open up the breaker.

Modern ignition systems

Today many systems are controlled electronically, instead of the distributor which is no longer needed. A large ignition coil can put out 40 kV, while a smaller one can generate about 15 kV. The coils can be place on top of the spark plug, known as direct ignition where a single coil helps two spark plugs function properly.

Common issues with an ignition coil

An ignition coil that is bad can lead to engine misfires, poor engine performance, and the vehicle will fail to start.