Find the Signs of Weak Ignition Coil in Your Volkswagen by Bellingham Mechanic Every car has a mini transformer known as an ignition coil that can hold the voltage required by the engine before it reaches the spark plugs from the battery to start the engine. In general, the ignition coil in Volkswagen is using electromagnetic induction for converting the 12 volts of the battery to a much greater voltage. Moreover, it is an important part of the ignition system that helps the spark plugs to fill the gap between the electrodes and ignite the fuel mixture efficiently. If the coil is damaged or worn out, then it will affect the functions of the ignition system.
What are the functions of the ignition coils? In general, the ignition system of Volkswagen has several components such as the battery, spark plugs, alternator, and ignition coils. Among the several ignition system components, the batteries are the main source of power that can ignite the air/fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber and generate 12V power to ignite the fuel. Besides all, the ignition coil of the ignition system is converting the voltage from low too high to enable the spark plugs for creating the necessary spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture. There are different types of ignition coils are used in vehicles such as:
Coil-On-Plug(COP) Coil-Near-Plug(CNP) Coil-Per-Cylinder(CPC)
In the COP, each cylinder has an ignition coil that will connect to the spark plugs. However, the CNP is attached to the plug by short plugs wires. When the ignition coil is failed, you will notice engine starting problems that can affect the performance of the engine in the car.
Signs of a weak ignition coil When the ignition coil of the Volkswagen is damaged, you will notice the following signs that need attention of a mechanic.
Engine misfiring or stalling Due to a problem with the ignition coil, the engine misfires or stalls when the car is in idle condition or stops suddenly. At this point, you will also notice sputtering noise or a jerk or strong vibration that indicates that the engine's cylinders are not firing properly.
On the other hand, misfiring also occurs when the engine is under strain and generates a lot of emissions. So, if you notice the smell of emissions from the exhaust system, then check the ignition coil from a reputed mechanic. Subsequently, the failed ignition coil also stalls the engine due to the irregularity of necessary sparks.
Rough idle If the ignition coil of the Volkswagen is damaged, then it will cause misfiring in idle conditions. Due to the damaged coil, the electrical charges are unable to send to the spark plugs directly and escape the charge from the car. At this point, the electrical current goes through the sidewalls of the cylinder head instead of the spark plugs. Under this condition, you have to observe the functions of the ignition coil housing for determining the damages. It is clearly indicating the failed ignition coil of a car that needs the immediate attention of a mechanic.
Difficult starting Thus, the engine needs an essential spark from the spark plugs to turn over the engine smoothly. But, the starting process of the engine is not completely relying on the spark plugs means the voltage required for starting the engine is produced by the ignition coil of the car. In fact, the ignition coil are flowing the current to the spark plugs for igniting the fuel mixture. If the ignition coils are unable to provide enough voltage to the spark plugs, then the engine doesn’t start due to the lack of enough sparks. At this point, the engine fails to start.
Illuminated check engine light Due to frequent engine stalling and misfiring, you will notice the check engine light is illuminated on the dashboard of the car. Perform the internal diagnosis of the car to diagnose the causes behind the problems and bring it to a mechanic for immediate repair. Thus, the code P0351 is indicating the bad ignition coil in the car. You can install new ignition coils in the car for fixing the problems efficiently. Moreover, it is a direct procedure that never requires any advanced tools and equipment to replace the parts.
Conclusion When the ignition coil of the Volkswagen is failed, you will also notice other signs apart from the above points. Apart from the problem, you have to diagnose the real causes behind failed ignition coil and fix it efficiently. If you are currently living in
Bellingham, then consult with a professional mechanic for diagnosing the causes behind the failed ignition coil and fix it as soon as possible.