Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR.
Ignition coils deliver 25,000 to 40,000 volts of electricity many times per second to the spark plugs. Despite working so hard, ignition coils can only last up to 150,000 miles of driving. When a coil eventually begins to falter, you’ll notice the signs of trouble outlined below. Any of these issues may indicate that it’s time to visit your local Chrysler dealer to replace a faulty ignition coil.
Erratic, Jumping RPMs
When the flow of electricity through your engine is strong and steady, the RPMs will remain consistent. But when a faulty coil stops supplying proper voltage, one of your cylinders will begin to misfire.
This misfiring will disturb the RPMs, causing the RPM gauge on your dashboard to jump around erratically. You’re also likely to feel your engine shake and judder and hear it sputtering.
Plummeting Acceleration
Without as much power as usual, an engine with a bad ignition coil will fail to accelerate properly. This usually becomes most noticeable when you’re trying to overtake, cross an intersection, or surge your way up a steep incline.
Thickening Exhaust Fumes
When a cylinder starts to misfire because of a failing coil, the fuel being injected into the combustion chamber doesn’t get burned away as it should. This fuel can quickly build up and then start to escape into the exhaust system, where it will eventually escape from the tailpipe as smoke, thickening the exhaust fumes.
Difficulty Starting the Engine
Early in the morning, when the engine’s cold, it needs a reliable burst of electricity to get going. If one ignition coil can’t deliver that voltage, you might find it difficult to start your car. If more than one ignition coil has failed, you might not be able to start the engine at all.
Poor Fuel Economy
When one cylinder is down due to a malfunctioning ignition coil, your engine will be burning through fuel at a normal rate but with fewer miles to show for the effort. So if you find yourself spending more money on gas each month, a bad ignition coil might be to blame.
Ask Your Chrysler Dealer To Clean Your Car’s Igniton Coils
While ignition coils are usually long-lasting car parts, they’re located in one of the dirtiest parts of the engine and can sometimes become fouled by carbon deposits. A dirty coil can often be cleaned to restore its function. You’ll just need to have an experienced technician take a look.
Visit Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM today to have your ignition coils cleaned or replaced at one of the state’s longest-running dealerships. We’re family-owned and operated and have been proudly providing the region’s drivers with excellent customer service since 1926.
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