If your vehicle is losing power, burning more gas, shaking, and is hard to start, your car may have a faulty ignition coil. The signs below from your Lexus dealer will warn you when it’s time for repairs to avoid engine damage and expensive repairs.
1. The Check Engine Light Is On
Your car’s ignition coil turns the low current from the battery into sufficient power to ignite the air/fuel mixture and start the engine. When a bad ignition coil makes it hard to start your car, or when it backfires, it will trigger the check engine light. When the check engine light is on, it’s best to schedule an appointment with us right away to avoid engine damage.
2. Your Car Feels Slow
Ignition coil problems will reduce your car’s engine power. One of the first signs is a loss of power when you step on the accelerator. Your vehicle feels slow because a malfunctioning ignition coil is causing irregular sparks to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
3. Your Car Is Heavy on Gas
A defective ignition coil will cause you to fill up more often, even if you don’t put more miles on the clock. When the spark plugs don’t get sufficient power, your car compensates by burning more fuel, forcing you to spend more at the gas station.
4. Your Car’s Engine Misfires
When one of the cylinders fires incorrectly or not at all, your engine will misfire when you try to start your car or step on the gas pedal. In severe cases, a misfire could cause your car to shut down entirely while you’re driving.
5. Your Car Backfires
If you hear loud banging noises, smell gas, and see black smoke pouring out of your tailpipe, blame it on a bad ignition coil. The sounds are from unused fuel exploding in the combustion cylinders.
6. You Struggle with Starting and Stalling Issues
When you turn the key, you will hear a clicking sound and struggle to start your car when a bad ignition coil isn’t sending the required voltage to the spark plugs. The spark plugs will send irregular sparks that will cause your vehicle to stall when you stop and sometimes even shut down completely.
7. You Hear Sputters and Coughs
If there’s a problem with the ignition coil, it could cause a cylinder not to fire correctly. When this happens, you will hear sputtering and coughing when you start your car.
8. Your Car Shakes and Jerks
A failing ignition coil will cause your car to idle roughly, shake, and even jerk. When you step on the gas, it will feel like your car hesitates and jerks instead of moving forward smoothly.
Need an Ignition Coil Replacement from Your Lexus Dealer in MD?
If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned issues, call DARCARS Lexus of Silver Spring now to avoid damage to your Lexus engine. Our certified and experienced technicians will perform expert repairs to ensure your car is fuel-efficient and running at its best.
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