The ignition coil in your Nissan transforms the low electrical current from the battery into the voltage needed to ignite the air and fuel mixture and start the engine. A faulty ignition coil will make it difficult to start your car, causing it to jerk, shake, backfire, or misfire. If your Altima, Murano, or Titan shows any of the following symptoms, act fast and get your car to your Nissan dealer before the problem turns into an expensive repair.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
When the ignition coil fails to provide enough electricity to the spark plugs, they may spark sporadically or fail to spark. When the power output decreases, the engine starts to burn more fuel. You’ll immediately notice because you’ll have to fill up more often, even when driving the same distance.
Reduced Power
A faulty coil will cause inconsistent sparks, leading to inefficient combustion of air and fuel, lowering the engine power. A common indication of a bad ignition coil is losing power when you step on the gas.
Starting Problems
When the ignition coil fails, it can make starting the engine difficult. The faulty coil will not supply the required electric current to the spark plugs, and sometimes, your car might not even start.
Sputtering Noises
If you hear sputtering noises from under the hood when you start your vehicle, blame a bad ignition coil. The faulty coil can cause a cylinder not to ignite properly, leaving you stranded.
Jerks and Shakes
When the ignition coil in your car is faulty, it can cause vibrations and a rough idle. Your car will shake when accelerating and could even jerk forward when you press the gas pedal.
Backfiring
Your car could backfire when the engine tries to burn more fuel than needed to compensate for the failing ignition coil. The unburnt gas flows through the exhaust system, and when it explodes, it causes loud banging sounds from the back of your vehicle.
Misfiring
When one of the cylinders in your engine fails to ignite or ignites incorrectly, the engine will misfire. Misfiring can severely damage components under the hood. So, it’s essential to get your car to your Nissan technician as soon as possible to repair the issue and prevent further damage.
Illuminated Check Engine Light
Your car’s computer will detect if there’s a problem with the ignition coil, and the check engine light will go on to alert you. Whenever you notice the check engine light is illuminated, it’s serious and should be addressed by a qualified Nissan technician ASAP before it causes damage to the engine.
If your car shows any symptoms of a malfunctioning ignition coil and to avoid high repair costs, rely on the expert repair services from your Nissan technician. Call Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers today for repairs and ensure your vehicle continues to be a pleasure to drive.
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