The ignition coil is an important component in your Ford. It creates an electric voltage that allows the spark plugs to ignite fuel in the engine chambers. If you suspect your Ford has a faulty coil, watch out for the signs below and visit Will Tiesiera Ford immediately.
1. Hard Starting
If your Ford has a faulty coil, the engine may struggle to turn over. This happens because the coil cannot properly deliver the strong electric charge required for the spark plug to ignite the fuel. As a result, you may experience a delayed start, with the engine cranking but struggling to fire up. In severe cases where the coil is dead, the engine may not start at all.
2. Misfiring or Stalling Engine
When a defective coil fails to provide a strong electric charge to the spark plugs, the plugs will stop working correctly as well. They won’t properly ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chambers. This may cause engine misfires and noticeable vibrations when driving. The engine may even cut out completely while running or idling.
3. Rough Idling
If your Ford has a rough idle, you could be dealing with ignition issues. Since the coil cannot properly facilitate combustion, the engine will feel shaky when stopped at a light or stop sign. Your RPMs may also start behaving erratically at idle. Replace the faulty coils to achieve smooth engine performance.
4. Hesitation and Loss of Power
When your ignition system’s coil is malfunctioning, it limits the engine’s power output, as it cannot properly enable combustion in all cylinders. Acceleration becomes sluggish compared to the vehicle’s normal performance. You may also experience the engine hesitating when trying to increase speed. This can affect the driving experience because it will feel like you are stepping on the gas but not getting the desired speed.
5. Poor Fuel Economy
Your fuel economy will start to suffer if you have a faulty coil. When a dying coil fails to fire the spark plugs properly, unburned fuel gets pushed out of the exhaust as waste. The engine’s computer also attempts to compensate for misfires by adding more fuel to the mixture. Combined, these factors lower gas mileage, forcing you to spend more money at the pump.
6. Backfiring Engine
Coil problems can cause loud backfiring from the exhaust system. Backfiring happens when the unused fuel that is pushed into the exhaust meets hot components and combusts. The combustion creates a loud, popping sound like a firecracker coming from the tailpipe. Consistent backfires can damage your exhaust components, so it’s best to replace the faulty coils immediately.
If you notice these signs alongside a check engine light, you need new coils for your Ford’s engine. Contact Will Tiesiera Ford in Tulare, CA to schedule an appointment: our technicians will replace the failing coils and reset the triggered error codes.
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