Ignition Coil

Quality Ignition Coil products from JCA AUTO SUPPLY

Ignition Coil 

An ignition coil is a crucial component of a vehicle’s ignition system, responsible for transforming the battery’s low voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark at the spark plugs. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling the engine to start and run efficiently.

Key Features:

1. Construction: An ignition coil typically consists of a primary winding (a coil of wire with fewer turns) and a secondary winding (a coil with many more turns). The primary winding is connected to the battery, while the secondary winding generates the high voltage needed for ignition.

2. High Voltage Generation: When the ignition system is activated, current flows through the primary winding, creating a magnetic field. When the current is interrupted (usually by the ignition control module), the magnetic field collapses, inducing a high voltage in the secondary winding.

3. Output Voltage: The ignition coil can produce voltages ranging from 12,000 to over 45,000 volts, depending on the engine’s requirements. This high voltage travels through the ignition wires to the spark plugs.

4. Types:

   • Conventional Ignition Coils: Older designs that rely on a mechanical contact point.
   • Distributor-less Ignition Systems (DIS): Use one coil for each cylinder or a coil pack to eliminate the distributor.
   • Coil-on-Plug (COP): A modern design where individual coils are mounted directly on each spark plug for improved efficiency and performance.

5. Durability: Ignition coils are designed to withstand high temperatures and electrical stress, but they can wear out over time due to heat and vibration.

Importance:

A functioning ignition coil is vital for the proper operation of the ignition system. A faulty ignition coil can lead to engine misfires, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and increased emissions. Regular inspections and timely replacements are essential to ensure optimal engine performance and reliability.