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7 Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil

Ignition Coil

A faulty ignition coil is more than just an annoyance; bad coils can rob your engine of power, reduce fuel efficiency, make it harder to start in the morning, and even cause further damage and costly repairs. With all this in mind, if you notice the following indications of a malfunctioning coil, head to your local CDJR dealer without delay to have it repaired or replaced. 

Reduced Acceleration

Inside each engine cylinder, the coil is responsible for the powerful voltage that allows the spark plug to ignite the fuel. If one or two coils fail, their corresponding cylinders will no longer be able to generate as much power and your car will accelerate more slowly. 

Shaking, Sputtering Engine

When spark plugs fail to spark properly due to bad coils, your engine will cough and shudder, showing clear signs of struggle. This misfiring will usually become most evident when you're either accelerating or idling.

Hard Engine Starts 

First thing in the morning, when your engine is cold, a strong surge of electricity is required to get it started. With one or more bad coils failing to deliver this voltage, your car may become slow to start or refuse to start at all. 

Sudden Stalling 

One of the most disruptive symptoms of a faulty coil is stalling. While slowing down or idling at traffic lights, your engine could suddenly switch off. After stalling, the engine could then hesitate or refuse to restart. 

Backfiring and Exhaust Smoke 

Misfiring interferes with the combustion process, allowing fuel to build up inside the combustion chambers instead of burning away. This unburned fuel can then start to leak back into the exhaust system, sometimes igniting as it does so, which causes loud backfiring. The unburned fuel will eventually escape from the tailpipe in the form of black smoke. 

Plummeting Gas Mileage

As a failing coil saps power from the engine, you'll notice your gas mileage decreasing as well. This will increase your monthly gas expenditure. 

Blinking Check Engine Light

As a faulty coil is a serious engine issue, you'll soon see the check engine light come to life on the dashboard. This warning light could be triggered by a number of different problems; it's best to have a trusted technician take a look. 

Have a Bad Coil Repaired or Replaced at Your CDJR Dealership

Faulty coils can sometimes be cleaned or repaired, but more frequently, they need to be replaced. Our skillful technicians can resolve this issue in no time, restoring your car's engine performance to optimal levels once more. 

Visit Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Ram of Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, MI, to have your car's ignition system repaired today. We're a locally trusted dealership providing a convenient one-stop shop for all your automotive needs, whatever they may be. 

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