Talking about what happens when you are late and you jump into a car, ready to start it. Instead of the engine roaring, there is sputtering or, worse yet, silence. You might even think you have a battery problem or something a little more complicated than that. However, the majority of cases point towards a failing ignition coil.
Find Cheap Auto InsuranceIf this crucial electrical component should fail, such failure can sometimes cause the engine to misfire and sometimes cause poor engine fuel efficiency; in fact, it may even prevent starting altogether, wondering about what to expect when it comes to ignition coil replacement or the price of replacing the engine coil? Here, we’ll take you through all the information, from symptoms and costs to how to prevent them.
What Is an Ignition Coil and Why Does It Matter?
Credit this to your engine’s best-kept secret hero - the ignition coil. It takes care of converting the low battery voltage into a high charging voltage that is strong enough to create sparks in the spark plugs. This would then start burning the mixtures in the engine cylinders to stir your car into motion.
Modern cars usually have one ignition coil dedicated per cylinder, while older vehicles are made with just one coil for the entire engine. Regardless of the type of coil, the failure of an ignition coil creates havoc in the performance of your vehicle engine and needs timely replacement.
Signs Your Ignition Coil Needs Replacement
Difficulty Starting the Engine
Climate can take a toll on your motor, and if it isn’t able to start quickly and is struggling occasionally, there is probably a problem with the ignition coil.
Harsh Engine Sound
One of the common signs of failing ignition coils is spluttering or an irregular buzzing sound. This happens when one or several cylinders are not appropriately fired.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
A failing ignition coil can lead to incomplete combustion, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel than necessary.
Check Engine Light
A malfunctioning ignition coil often triggers the check engine light. Running a diagnostic scan will usually point to ignition-related trouble codes.
Loss of Power
If there is a sudden loss of horsepower when you feel there should have been an increase, or if your car fails to generate the needed force when climbing a mountain, the ignition coil cannot supply sufficient power to the engine.
Strange Sounds
Strange sounds such as backfiring, popping, or clicking from the engine indicate some shortcomings in the ignition system, which can involve the coil.
They should be dealt with immediately instead of letting them fester into severe damage to the engine.
How Much Does an Engine Coil Replacement Cost?
When it comes to an engine coil replacement, several factors come into play, including your location, the type of coil, and most importantly, the brand and model of the car. Here are the types of labor and models.
Cost of the Ignition Coil
- Standard coils typically cost between $50 and $150 per unit.
- High-performance or specialized coils can cost $200 to $300 or more.
Labor Costs
- You will pay labor to take out and replace the ignition coils, which can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 depending on how much your mechanic charges per hour and how complicated your engine is.
Total Costs
- $100-$300 is typically the range for just one ignition coil.
- When replacing many coils, the amount will increase to between $300 and $800.
- Expect to pay more for high-end vehicles.
If you feel like you could save some money by doing some tasks yourself, keep in mind that you need to possess adequate knowledge and tools; otherwise, you will end up wasting a lot of money and money in damages.
Can You Drive with a Failing Ignition Coil?
An ignition coil that has gone bad may allow a person to drive, but that is not recommended. Such driving places a more significant load on other components, such as the catalytic converter, leading to higher repair costs. Besides, it would raise the chances of engine stalling or misfiring, making driving unsafe.
Ignition Coil Replacement: DIY vs. Professional Service
DIY Replacement
If you’re relaxed working under the hood and have elementary mechanical skills, substituting an ignition coil can be satisfying.
Pros:
- Save on labor costs.
- Gain a better understanding of your car’s ignition system.
Cons:
- Risk of improper installation.
- It may require tools like a socket wrench and a diagnostic scanner.
Professional Replacement
Hiring a mechanic ensures the job is done correctly and efficiently.
Pros:
- Professional diagnosis of related issues.
- Guaranteed proper installation.
Cons:
- Higher overall cost.
- For those unfamiliar with car repairs, professional service is the safer option.
What Affects Engine Coil Replacement Cost?
Vehicle Make and Model
Luxury and performance vehicles tend to have more expensive parts and higher labor costs.
Type of Ignition Coil
Coil-on-plug systems are generally more expensive than older distributor-based systems.
Location
Labor rates vary significantly by region. Urban areas often have higher rates than rural areas.
Additional Repairs
The repair costs will increase if your failing coil has damaged related components, like spark plugs or the catalytic converter.
Preventing Ignition Coil Failure
Regular Maintenance
Keep your explosion system in good shape by substituting spark plugs, wires, and other types of machinery as optional by your car’s builder.
Protect Against Moisture
Ignition coils are sensitive to water. Avoid driving through deep puddles, and ensure your engine bay stays dry.
Address Misfires Promptly
Ignoring misfires can lead to additional stress on the ignition system.
Use High-Quality Parts
When replacing ignition coils, opt for OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts to ensure longevity and performance.
A failing ignition coil might quickly develop from a minor inconvenience to a significant engine hindrance if allowed to escalate. Knowing the sign and engine coil replacement cost gives one an idea of whether to do the repairs. Whichever person chooses to do it for themselves or hire an expert, taking timely actions is paramount to ensure that the automobile runs smoothly. Don’t wait for a possible breakdown. Inspect your ignition system now to enjoy conflict-free driving tomorrow.
Find Cheap Auto InsuranceNeed help replacing that ignition coil? Contact your trusted mechanic or local auto parts store for expert advice and quality components!