How does low voltage affect the spark ignition system?
The low voltage primary circuit operates at battery voltage (12 to 14.5 volts) and is responsible for generating the signal to fire the spark plug at the exact right time and sending that signal to the ignition coil.
Why do I have no spark in my ignition?
More complicated issues may also contribute to spark loss, but basic conditions are still the general means for good function of any ignition system. Knowing what to look for when troubleshooting ignition systems can allow proper decisions to be made when selecting repair procedures or replacement parts.
What causes a car to lose power at the spark plug?
This is a wasted combustion cycle where no power is generated. Ignition coils and spark plug wires convert the low voltage power from the battery into the high voltage necessary to jump the spark plug gap. As ignition coils and wires wear, they may lose insulation and short out.
How can you tell if your ignition system is weak?
If you remove the secondary lead from an oil-filled coil and it is wet, the coil needs to be replaced. The proper method to check for spark is with a spark tester. It resembles a spark plug but has a sunken center electrode that simulates a load on the coil. Holding the plug wire and seeing if a spark jumps to ground is inconclusive.
What causes a no spark or loss of power condition?
Loss of spark is caused by anything that prevents coil voltage from jumping the electrode gap at the end of the spark plug. This includes worn, fouled or damaged spark plugs, bad plug wires or a cracked distributor cap. Sometimes, misfiring may not be caused by a total loss of spark but by incorrect sparking or by high-voltage electrical leaks.
Why do I not have a spark plug in my ignition?
If you do not have a good spark in all wires then you may have an electrical problem in your ignition system. Locate your distributor cap. The distributor is responsible for taking the high voltage generated in the ignition coil and passing it on to the spark plugs in a synchronized pattern.
If you remove the secondary lead from an oil-filled coil and it is wet, the coil needs to be replaced. The proper method to check for spark is with a spark tester. It resembles a spark plug but has a sunken center electrode that simulates a load on the coil. Holding the plug wire and seeing if a spark jumps to ground is inconclusive.
What does it mean when your car has no spark?
No spark indicates an ignition problem. In extreme cases the (PCM) may have failed. In some cases, a (PCM) problem will cause the vehicle not to run at all. The (PCM’s) functions include positioning the crankshaft and controlling the ignition spark and timing.
What causes the spark plug to short out on a car?
Ignition coils and spark plug wires convert the low voltage power from the battery into the high voltage necessary to jump the spark plug gap. As ignition coils and wires wear, they may lose insulation and short out. When this happens, sufficient voltage may be unable to reach the spark plugs, causing misfires.