Are ignition coils the same as spark plug wires?
The wire that goes from the ignition coil to the distributor and the high voltage wires that go from the distributor to each of the spark plugs are called spark plug wires or high tension leads.
Do you have to change coils when changing spark plugs?
As for the coils, they only need to be changed when they fail so it can be a big waste of money to change them when changing the plugs. If you want to have the car inspected, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to fully check it out before you go on your road trip.
Can a worn out spark plug cause a faulty ignition coil?
Worn out and faulty spark plugs can also put excessive pressure on the ignition coil, causing damage to them. You should check the ignition coil regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. A faulty ignition coil will not provide enough power to the spark plugs to start the engine.
Why do coil plugs need to be replaced?
Coils also work harder than they used to. The wider the plug gap the more voltage the coil has to put out to jump that plug gap. Add miles to the plug and the voltage has to be stepped up even more. Many years ago plugs commonly had gaps of .025-.030 of an inch.
How many coils are in a coil pack?
When this happens, the voltage will arc inside the coil and eventually destroy it. COP = one coil mounted directly over each spark plug, usually no plug wires. Coil pack = one coil for every two spark plugs, plug wires always used, two or three coils in one pack.
What happens to spark plugs when they wear out?
Spark plugs don’t care how they’re fired. They only know that they’re job is to create a high energy spark across a gap. And when you build up that much heat, somethings got to wear out. As spark plugs age, the voltage required to fire them keeps increasing. At some point, the high voltage energy finds a new path to ground.