From Your Chevy Dealer: 5 Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil

Your car’s spark plug triggers the necessary combustion in the engine to get your car moving, but it would never have the voltage it needs to generate its spark with a faulty ignition coil. If your car exhibits any of the following symptoms, it might be time to bring it to your local Chevy dealer.  

1. The Engine Won’t Turn Over Easily

Your car’s battery does not produce the voltage needed to power the spark plug, so an ignition coil converts the energy provided. When problems with the coil occur, it becomes difficult (or sometimes even impossible) to start your car’s engine. If your vehicle struggles to turn over, it is possible the ignition coil is not able to convert the 12 volts received from the battery to the thousands of volts the spark plug needs to get your car going.  

2. The Vehicle’s Fuel Economy Is Poor

Perhaps you are not getting the same amount of miles per gallon of gas as you used to get? While it is not necessarily a sure sign of an ignition coil failure, poor fuel economy could be an indicator. When a vehicle’s ignition coil fails to power the spark plug, the engine system will attempt to inject more fuel as compensation.  

3. The Engine Misfires or Stalls

If an ignition coil is no longer functioning properly, a vehicle may misfire or stall when it is idle. Also, this may happen when the car is brought to a sudden stop or accelerates. Irregular sparks from the spark plug will consistently put strain on the vehicle. For you and your passengers’ safety, it is very important that you have a professional examine your car if this symptom arises.  

4. The Exhaust Smells Like Gas

The strain put on an engine from the misfires caused by a faulty coil can lead to increased emissions. The exhaust coming out of your vehicle’s tailpipe may carry with it the smell of gasoline.

5. The Check Engine Light Is On

This may seem a no-brainer, but if the indicator on your dashboard is telling you to check the engine, it is probably a good idea to do so. While it could be a sign of any number of possible car problems, coupled with any of the other symptoms on this list, you should not be surprised if your mechanic informs you your car’s issues stem from a malfunctioning ignition coil.  

An ignition coil is an essential component of a car’s engine; however, troubles stemming from a faulty one can be identified with some ease. Visit Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith to have our professionals help you with all of your vehicle’s needs.  

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