Masterparts offers a full range of ignition coils, suitable for most vehicle makes and models.
What does an ignition coil do in a car?
The role of an ignition coil is to produce high voltage electricity required for proper combustion.
It uses Faraday’s law of induction to transform 12-volt electricity from the battery into 4,000-volt current.
The high voltage current is then emitted in quick bursts to the spark plug, which uses it to create the spark required for combustion.
Ignition coils are available either as:
- coil packs, where multiple coils are combined in one casing, or
- single ignition coils – one for each cylinder of the engine.
Modern vehicles typically use a “coil-on-plug” ignition configuration. It’s a distributor-free system, consisting of individual ignition coils directly connected to each spark plug.
How does an ignition coil work?
An ignition coil consists of two coils of copper windings wrapped around an iron core – the primary and secondary windings.
The electrical current from the vehicle’s battery flows through the primary coil, creating a magnetic field around the coil.
When the flow is interrupted by an electronic signal, the magnetic field collapses across the secondary windings.
As the magnetic field continues collapsing, it induces high voltage electricity in the secondary windings.
The increased number of coils on the secondary windings is responsible for the high voltage step-up of current, which is sent in sharp pulses to the spark plugs to enable ignition.
To get an idea of what an ignition coil looks like and how it works, check out this YouTube video by Speedkar99.
Signs of a faulty ignition coil
Ignition coils have an average lifespan of around 160,000 kilometres. After that, they’re prone to failing and must be replaced.
Typical signs of a faulty ignition coil include:
- misfiring engine
- rough idling
- surging engine
- poor fuel consumption
- stalling at low speeds
- activated check engine light
- backfiring engine.
A diagnostic test by an automotive technician can determine which ignition coil is faulty.
When the “coil-on-plug” ignition system is installed in a vehicle, only the malfunctioning ignition coil needs to be replaced.
High-quality automotive ignition coils for sale in South Africa
Masterparts stocks a full range of quality ignition coils suitable for all vehicle makes and models.
Components are manufactured by leading international brands – Euromann, Febi Bilstein and Bremi.
At Masterparts, we’re always at hand to help you select the best ignition coils for your car. Ask one of our friendly consultants for advice – over the phone or on the store floor.
Where to get ignition coils from Masterparts
We offer door-to-door delivery. Alternatively, visit any of our branches across South Africa or in Windhoek, Namibia.
Ignition coils in and around Cape Town:
Ignition coils in KwaZulu-Natal:
Ignition coils in Namibia:
In addition to ignition coils, Masterparts stocks ignition leads, spark plugs and other electrical components – so you can complete a full ignition system repair with one stop. Contact us if there’s a part you need and we’ll do our best to assist.
