When and why should you replace ignition coils?

Ignition coils would fail due to age, overuse or simply manufacture defects. The material can crack or melt due to the heat from the electrical terminals. Replace your ignition coils as soon as your car starts showing signs of misfire, the engine check light appears or if your vehicle manual suggest that you replace them after a period of time.

The symptoms of defective coils depends on the car in question. It could be a misfire, backfiring, burnt gasoline smell, or starting issues when your “Check Engine Light” turns on. This will appear on the dashboard as a CEL. Prolonged engine misfire will destroy the catalytic converter and can lead to engine detonation.

When replacing ignition coils it is best to have them replaced all at once. Keep in mind that if one of the coils goes defective, then the others are probably going to be defective in the near future.

The number of ignition coils in the car depends on the car engine, model and year. Do not assume all vehicles are the same.