If your car is making a noise, there may be a few reasons why it might be a bad coil pack. These include poor fuel economy, misfiring, and the Check engine light. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common signs of a bad coil pack and what you can do to fix them. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact a mechanic immediately.
Misfiring
If you’re experiencing misfiring and your check engine light is on, your ignition coil may be the cause. Faulty ignition coils will cause extra fuel to be burned so that the car can keep running. You’ll notice an increase in rough idling as well. If your car’s fuel mileage is low, a bad coil pack could be the cause. Luckily, this repair is easy and inexpensive, but you should always have your vehicle checked by a professional if you experience any of these symptoms.
A good diagnostic tool will also check for trouble codes logged by your car’s computer. This will pinpoint a faulty coil and other parts of the engine. If you notice a code of P0350 or P0362, it’s most likely a coil problem. When you diagnose misfiring due to a bad coil pack, you should replace it right away. Trying to drive a car with a bad coil pack can cause further damage to other parts of your car, including the catalytic converter.
Poor fuel economy
When your car experiences poor fuel economy, it may be the result of a bad ignition coil. This problem can cause the car to misfire and not start. When a bad coil fails to provide enough voltage to the spark plugs, the engine will not ignite. This can cause the engine to backfire and produce a loud noise. To diagnose this problem, first check the code. A code P0350 or P0362 indicates a coil-related problem.
Other symptoms of a bad coil pack include a poor engine runability, a lack of power, and an uneven idle. Newer cars with OBD I or II systems will often display a trouble code for the coil pack. The trouble code may also indicate cylinder misfiring, which is an indication that the coil pack is the problem. In addition to these symptoms, a bad coil pack can cause other components of the tune-up to fail.
Check engine light
The Check Engine Light on your car may mean that your ignition coil pack is malfunctioning. A bad ignition coil can turn your Check Engine Light on and make your car run rough. It can also cause jerking and hesitating when you drive or accelerate. A bad coil pack will also cause the Check Engine Light to come on, and a diagnostic tool can help you find the problem. A diagnostic tool will read the trouble codes and help you determine if the problem is the coil itself or the entire ignition system.
If your check engine light is on, try replacing the spark plugs. Replace them with new ones that are properly gapped and tightened. If your coil packs are not connected to your vehicle’s computer, you can use an OBD II diagnostic scanner. You can purchase an OBD II scanner at an auto retailer, auto repair shop, or even your local car dealership. However, be aware that even if you have successfully replaced your spark plugs, the Check Engine Light may still come on.
Rattling sound
The rattling sound you hear under light throttle or at higher RPMs in park might be a sign of a bad coil pack. It’s not present when the car is cold, and you can only notice it after a few miles on the road. It’s not very loud, and you can probably ignore it. It’s also possible that other ambient noises are contributing to the problem. The rattling sound may also be the result of recent work you’ve done on the engine, including new spark wires, a new coil pack, fresh 10w-30 oil, and a new coolant.
Besides making a rattle noise, a bad coil pack can also cause misfiring, which can cause the engine to run poorly. Misfiring can also lead to engine drag and lower performance. This is a very frustrating issue to deal with, so be sure to take the time to get it checked out. A bad coil pack can be replaced easily. A new ignition coil pack is the best solution.
Checking for a spark plug
When your car starts making a noise, you should first check the coil pack. The coil pack generally looks like a box and contains corresponding coils for each cylinder. As it runs, the coils are exposed to heat and moisture. A cracked coil housing or loose connectors may be exposing the coil to moisture. Likewise, if you hear a whistling or clicking sound, it’s likely a faulty spark plug. If you suspect a weak coil pack, consult an auto expert to perform the test.
If the noise persists, you may need to replace the coil pack or replace the spark plug. Changing the spark plug may cause further damage to your car’s ignition system. This issue should be fixed right away. If the plug becomes loose, you should immediately replace it. You might end up damaging the coil pack by allowing excessive voltage to enter it. In addition to causing damage to your engine, loose spark plugs can also lead to premature ignition coil failure.
Using an ohm meter
To find out if your car’s coil pack is making noises, use an ohm meter to measure its resistance. Set the ohmmeter to its 10 ohms range and touch the ohmmeter’s lead to the middle prong of the electrical connector. When the coil pack reads between 0.3 and 1.0 ohms, it’s good. If the meter reads more than that, check your secondary coil.
Another symptom of a bad coil pack is rough idling. When this happens, the fuel in the combustion chamber escapes through the exhaust pipe. You can easily check this with your car’s engine code, P0351. You can also check the exhaust for black smoke. If it’s causing you trouble, you should replace the coil pack as soon as possible.
