The Impact of a Faulty Ignition Coil on an Engine’s Performance
Driving a car with a faulty ignition coil is a recipe for trouble. Each engine type has its own specific issues when faced with a single ignition coil malfunction. This article explores the various consequences of this problem and how it can affect your vehicle’s performance and even its longevity.
Engine Response to a Faulty Ignition Coil
The symptoms of a faulty ignition coil can vary depending on the number of cylinders and the design of the engine. In a four-cylinder engine, the driver is unlikely to miss a misfiring cylinder due to the noticeable shaking. A six-cylinder engine will run roughly, and an eight-cylinder engine may have a smoother but still noticeable roughness in operation.
As for the catchphrase, it's not just a coincidence: 'It runs like ass. Bloated ass.' and 'Runs shite' are colloquial expressions indicating a poor performance and reliability. The check engine light is a clear indicator that there's an underlying issue that needs attention.
Effects of Multiple Ignition Coil Failures
When multiple ignition coils fail, as you mentioned with the Ford F-150, the vehicle becomes barely drivable. This can lead to engine malfunctions including an engine light for ignition malfunction. There's a potential risk of wasting fuel and damaging the catalytic converter due to the inadequate combustion of fuel.
Solving this issue requires replacing the faulty components. Non-Motocraft coil packs are a cost-effective option, even though original equipment manufacturer parts can be expensive. As one user noted, the Ford ignition coils can cost up to $120 each. Choosing cost-efficient alternatives can significantly reduce repair costs.
Combustion and Power Output
When a single ignition coil fails, only one cylinder receives inadequate power, leading to a reduction in overall engine power. For a four-cylinder engine, performance will drop to 75% of normal output, for a six-cylinder, to 87.5%, and for eight-cylinder engines, to a bit less than 87.5%.
The affected cylinder underpowers the engine, causing rough operation and decreased fuel efficiency. Rich fuel mixtures can also lead to overheating and damaging the catalytic converter, further compounding the issues.
Modern Engine Management Systems
Today's engines are controlled by an integrated electronic control unit (ECU) that manages the fuel injection and ignition processes. Unlike older designs, when a single ignition coil fails, other healthy coils can still fire the remaining cylinders. This means the vehicle can still operate, albeit with a reduced power output, until the faulty coil is replaced.
This system is a significant improvement from the traditional distributor setup, where a failure in one ignition coil could quickly lead to a complete engine shutdown. In the modern setup, you might experience a rough driving experience but still manage to reach your destination for repairs.
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