Problematic Engine, Let's Know the Signs of a Weak Coil in a Car

In carrying out its performance, a four-wheeled vehicle, especially one with a gasoline engine, usually requires a component that is useful for generating electrical current. The component in question is called a coil. However, over time and frequent use, the coil will weaken. So what are the signs of a weak coil in a car? Check out the review.

1. Abnormal Spark Results

The first sign indicating that the coil has weakened is that the spark produced by the spark plug becomes abnormal. 

The spark produced at the spark plug tip will appear smaller, weaker, and reddish-yellow. Sometimes this can happen even with a replaced or new spark plug.

In a condition where the coil is still good, the spark plug will produce a blue, strong spark that looks larger when ignited. 

Therefore, such a condition indicates that you should immediately take your beloved vehicle to the nearest workshop or authorized service center for repairs. If not, the engine will not be able to start.

2. Coil Feels Hot When Touched

The next sign of a weak coil in a car is that the coil feels very hot when touched. The heat produced feels very different from the usual coil condition. You should know that a coil feeling hotter can be caused by several factors. 

First, the age of the coil is too long, and the resistance value on the primary and secondary wire windings is too high.

Not only that, sometimes a hot coil is also caused by a short circuit within the coil itself. As a result, the heat will increase and overheat. 

This is what causes the coil to feel very hot when held, and if left unchecked, it can reduce the coil's performance in generating a large amount of electrical current.

3. Longer Starter Time

If the time required to start the engine in your beloved vehicle becomes longer, then this indicates the signs of a weak coil in the car. 

Generally, this occurs due to a mixture of air with pressurized fuel that acts as an insulator and cannot conduct electrical current. 

Moreover, this mixture occurs when the air pressure is increasing, thus requiring a larger electrical current for the spark to jump at the spark plug tip. 

An increasingly weak coil makes it more difficult for the spark plug to create a spark in the combustion chamber. As a result, this will impact the car's starting process.

4. Presence of Sparks on the Coil

The appearance of sparks on the coil body indicates that the insulator or material that cannot conduct electricity in the coil has experienced a leak. 

Don't worry, there is an easy way to check. Prepare a spray bottle filled with water, then spray it on the coil while the engine is running and observe the reaction.

It is unimaginable if the coil in your beloved vehicle experiences damage; surely the car will not be able to start. Therefore, it is best to always maintain your car's coil to keep its performance in check. If the coil has shown some of the signs mentioned above, then immediately take it to the nearest workshop.