VIDEO: Diagnosing Ignition Related Misfires
By performing these easy checks, you can determine if the spark plug wires are the problem or it is another component in the ignition system or on the engine. Sponsored by Blue Streak.
VIDEO: What Makes For A High-Quality Ignition Coil?
Less expensive ignition coils use resins that are less resistant to vibration, heat and endless heat cycles under the hood. Taking a risk on a cheap ignition coil from an unknown source can put an engine at risk. Sponsored by Blue Streak.
NGK Tech Tip: Leading Cause Of Ignition Coil Failure
Ignition coil damage is often caused by underlying issues never addressed in engine misfire repairs. Issues include spark plug gapping, leaking valve covers, or moisture intrusion.
Multi-Spark Ignition Systems
You may have seen the stories about plasma or laser ignition systems that promise to give new life to the internal combustion engine. But while these ignition systems have yet to make it to market the latest ignition innovation still uses a coil and spark plug.
Auto Value And Bumper To Bumper Launch Blended Ignition Coil Program
The program was developed in response to growing demand from consumers for exact replacements and from professional technicians for original equipment parts.
VIDEO: Ignition Coil Circuit Testing
Doug Kaufman explains the proper diagnostic process for ignition coils in order to avoid swapping parts. Sponsored by Blue Streak.
What Kills An Ignition Coil?
Modern ignition coils are typically located between two camshafts on the valve cover and exposed to dirt and oil. But, even if a coil is mounted in a cool, clean and vibration-free environment, if the gap on the spark plug is not correct or there are issues with high resistance in the cylinder, it won’t take long for a coil to fail.
Understanding Ignition Systems
In this article, we touch on the features of three ignition systems, as well as advantages and disadvantages of each.
Using Fuel And Ignition Waveforms Together
Fuel injector and secondary ignition waveforms can show the condition of the fuel and ignition system, and combined they can give you new insights on misfires and if they are related to the fuel or ignition system. Scan tools can tell you if there is a misfire and which cylinder is misfiring. Rarely will you be able to determine if it is the ignition coil and spark plug or if the fuel injector is causing a rich or lean condition. With a scope that has the correct probes, it is possible.
Understanding Ignition Systems: What Drives The Coil?
Ignition diagnostics in the 1960s was simple. By replacing the distributor’s points, rotor and cap as part of a tune up, ignition problems were solved as long as the technician set up the points and timing to factory specifications. In the early 1970s, solid-state semiconductor components reached a point where they were cheap and robust. Transistors and other electronic components replaced ignition points. With no moving parts, they require zero maintenance while providing a more powerful spark.
