Although exceedingly durable and dependable, ignition coils can malfunction for several reasons. For example, whenever the coil gets wet, there is a sufficient passage for some (or all) energy spark to get out directly through the insulation, which can affect its performance.
If you have been wondering whether your ignition coils are wet, keep reading to discover what I found out about the matter!
Wet Ignition Coil Symptoms
1. Increased Fuel Consumption
The ignition can sometimes stop working on its own, and other times it can stop working for several reasons, like if it becomes wet.
Further, an ignition coil that is progressively degrading appears to be functioning correctly and harms your fuel efficiency.
So, when you fill up your automobile with gasoline, you may monitor your mileage. With that, you can have a defective ignition coil if your mileage keeps dropping.
As a result of the vehicle injecting more gasoline to make up for the ignition coils’ poor energy output, the mileage gradually declines.
Therefore, when you have a defective ignition coil, your mileage also suffers since extra fuel is injected since the oxygen sensor can’t acquire accurate readings.
2. Engine Hesitation To Accelerate
The engine will seem severely underpowered due to many damaged coils, primarily during acceleration.
That said, you can even experience this due to different injector issues, which you will notice most during acceleration.
Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate this option to rule out the potential of an injector issue.
3. Unexpected Engine Stall
Even though it may be highly unusual, the wet ignition coil may be to blame if the automobile suddenly stops while you’re driving.
Occasionally, this occurs when you have already halted and, in other instances, as you move. Also, spark plug currents will be erratic if the coil begins to cool.
Additionally, you can regularly travel without any issues and then run into problems afterward.
4. Unusual Loud Noises
You may suffer an engine outburst caused by defective ignition coils caused by water if you attempt to start your vehicle’s engine and frequently hear a weird, unpleasant noise.
So, you may still operate the vehicle, but you will notice several odd sounds and even stiffness when accelerating.
5. High Emission
A defective ignition coil due to dampness will surely increase emissions, particularly hydrocarbon emissions.
Further, this is especially true for those who live in areas where such problems are frequently checked for.
6. Difficulty Starting The Engine
No-start conditions might also result from a wet and damaged ignition coil.
Of course, a malfunctioning ignition coil will impact the performance of the entire engine in cars that employ a single ignition coil to spark all of the cylinders.
In addition, the engine won’t ignite if the coil dies, which will cause a no spark, no start scenario.
Therefore, ignition coil issues are typically simple to identify since they manifest as apparent symptoms to the driver.
So, have the car evaluated by a qualified technician to see if any ignition coils need to be changed.
7. Check Engine Light Will Turn On For Trouble Code
A lit check engine light is yet another indication that there could be a problem with your ignition coils in the car.
Further, poor coil performance might result in misfires, which can trip the computer and display the check engine light.
So, if the computer notices a problem with the ignition coil signal or circuit, such as when a coil burns out or becomes wet or shorts, the check engine light will also come on.
8. Overall Engine Malfunction
Engine performance problems are among the most typical signs of an ignition coil that needs replacement.
Also, since the ignition coils are one of the essential parts of the ignition system, a problem might impair the spark, which would soon result in performance problems.
Misfires, a rough idle, a loss of power and acceleration, and a drop in gas mileage can all be brought on by wet coils.
In addition, the performance problems might cause the car to stall in severe circumstances.
9. Backfires
Incomplete combustion and fuel ejection inside the exhaust system generate backfires, which are short, loud booms.
In addition, fuel bursts noisily when wet ignition coils fail to generate enough power for the vehicle’s spark plugs to send to the fuel.
Most of these problematic ignition coil noises come from the exhaust. However, when explosions happen within the car, they might result in serious harm.
That said, claggy smoke from the exhaust, irregular engine banging, and a strong gasoline odor within the car are all early signs of backfires.
Lastly, backfires may be deadly, so pay attention to any signs your automobile may exhibit.
To know more, you can also read our posts on why tint windows, why you need to balance tires, and why you need to rotate tires.
Conclusion
Overall, the symptoms of a wet ignition coil do not differ in the signs every time the coil malfunctions due to other factors.
You’ll still experience decreased fuel efficiency, engine malfunction, strange loud noises, and several other signs.
But, no matter the symptoms you’ll encounter, understanding and addressing the issue early will help you save your vehicle’s overall performance.