A defective ignition coil can significantly impair your car’s performance, causing several engine problems that, in some cases, can even pose a threat to driver safety. Understanding the common signs of a faulty ignition coil can help you identify the underlying issue with your vehicle before taking prompt action to address it with your Kia dealer. Here’s a closer look!
From Your Kia Dealer: 5 Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil
Misfiring Engine
When a coil fails, one or more of your car’s spark plugs misfire because the spark needed to ignite the gasoline and oxygen fuel mixture is either absent or weak. Affected engines run rough and often seem to sputter while driving at normal highway speeds.
The effect can be even more noticeable when you stop at a traffic light or stop sign, where the rough engine performance caused by a bad coil may cause the entire car to violently shudder, vibrate, or even stall. It’s cause for concern, so head for the dealership ASAP.
Difficult Engine Startup
An ignition coil that’s on the ropes may leave you feeling like you’ve gone twelve rounds in a heavyweight fight as you repeatedly crank the engine to begin your morning commute. The coil provides the electrical punch needed to start the engine and if it just can’t reliably generate the required voltage, you’ll have difficulty starting your car. If part of your morning routine is a hard-to-start engine, see your dealer for a cup of coffee and a coil check!
Reduced Gas Mileage
Gas mileage is one of the first things to decline when a coil begins to fail. The reason? A coil that delivers a weak or intermittent spark will result in incomplete combustion of fuel, causing gas mileage to tank. Even if the root cause of your car’s poor mileage isn’t a bad coil, lower gas mileage is a clear sign of an underlying issue with your car’s engine. A Kia-certified tech has the answers you’re looking for!
Diminished Power and Sudden Backfires
A rough-running engine and power loss can also occur due to a damaged ignition coil. Your engine may idle roughly or accelerate poorly; you may even notice unexpected and sudden backfires, something that should never happen in modern engines. If you hear the bang of a backfire when driving, it’s time to investigate the possibility of a wonky coil during a service appointment. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious engine damage!
Illuminated Check Engine Light
Even if you haven’t noticed any overt signs of a bad coil, a malfunctioning coil can still trigger your car’s check engine light, or CEL. The fact that the CEL is illuminated isn’t conclusive evidence, as many issues can trigger the CEL. But a Kia-certified tech can use an OBD-II diagnostic scanner to check for a P0351 or similar diagnostic code, making it possible to pin down the exact cylinder or cylinders impacted by a malfunctioning coil.
If you’ve reason to think your car’s performance issues may be due to a bad ignition coil, our factory-trained technicians can diagnose your problem and have you back on the road in no time using genuine Kia parts. Schedule a service appointment with Crain Kia of Fort Smith today!
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
Categories
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.