Ignition Coil

An ignition coil is an electrical device used commonly in an automobile's ignition system. It transforms a battery voltage to high ignition voltage needed to spark the spark plugs. It is a type of pulse transformer capable of producing a short burst of high voltage for starting combustion. It is also called a spark coil.

Parts of Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is made up of two parts:

• Primary Winding Circuit: It is the outer winding and contains 100 to 150 turns of heavy copper wire. It is wrapped around the secondary winding.
• Secondary Winding Circuits: It is the inner winding and contains 15,000 to 30,000 turns of fine copper wire. It is located inside or near the primary winding.

The windings are installed inside the coil case.

How Ignition Coil works
When the current started, the collapse of the magnetic field activate a large voltage onto the secondary coil. Battery current flows through the ignition coil primary windings producing a strong magnetic field enabling to obtain the high current required for ignition. This voltage is then directed to the spark plugs. They are also filled with oil for cooling in order to withstand the heat of the current flow.

Maintenance of Ignition Coil
Normally, the ignition coil does not require much maintenance, but it needs periodical checking.

• Care should be taken to change a worn spark plug, it can lead to ignition coil failure. Even after the change of the spark plug if the ignition misfire continues, then the ignition coil should be replaced.
• When a engine shows a no-spark condition or a severe engine backfire, it is time to understand that the ignition coil is a failure.
• The ignition coil should be replaced when it is cracked, burned, corroded or severely discolored.