7 Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil

1. Engine Misfires

One of the most common signs that something is wrong with your ignition is engine misfiring. This can feel like a stutter or hesitation when you attempt to accelerate or an overall rough and irregular engine rhythm when idling. Misfires happen when there isn’t enough voltage going to the spark plugs to ignite the air/fuel mixture properly.

2. Sudden Loss of Power

Does your car feel weaker than usual? If you have a faulty coil, your vehicle can feel like it’s struggling to maintain power, especially when accelerating. This may be particularly obvious under heavy loads or while climbing hills.

3. Poor Fuel Economy

Poor performance from your ignition can cause your vehicle’s fuel efficiency to decrease noticeably. This is because the incomplete combustion caused by faulty coils requires your engine to burn more fuel to produce the same amount of power. Keep an eye on your fuel consumption. If you’re making more trips to the fuel pump despite your driving habits staying the same, it could point to a problem with your coils.

4. Difficulty Starting

Another indication of a potential coil issue is having difficulty starting the vehicle. A failing coil may struggle to generate the necessary voltage for an initial spark, making the engine take

longer to start or requiring several attempts to get going.

5. Check Engine Light

The check engine light can activate for numerous reasons, but one common cause is issues with the ignition system, including the coils. Modern vehicles are equipped with an onboard diagnostic system that triggers the check engine light when it detects irregularities in the ignition process. Using a diagnostic scan tool can confirm whether the problem is related to the ignition.

6. Engine Backfiring

Have you heard loud popping noises from your car? It could be backfiring. Backfiring happens when unburned fuel exits the engine into the exhaust system, where it ignites. Faulty coils can cause backfires by failing to ignite the fuel at the right time, leading to fuel buildup in the exhaust system.

7. Rough Idling

If there’s a problem with your coils, your engine may idle unevenly, producing a rough or jittery idle as the engine misses regular power strokes. This uneven performance can be particularly noticeable when you are stopped at a traffic light or when the engine is first started.

Visit Your GMC Dealer to Check Your Coils

If you suspect the coils in your ignition are faulty, you should visit your local dealership for a thorough inspection. Our certified technicians can accurately diagnose those issues and provide any needed replacements. Having trouble with your ignition? Don’t wait. Visit Marquardt of Barrington GMC in Barrington, IL, to get your ignition inspected right away.

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