Keeping your Ford’s ignition coil in good shape is crucial. It’s the part that turns your car’s battery power into a spark strong enough to fire up the engine. A faulty ignition coil can mess up your engine’s performance big time. Here are some signs to watch out for that might mean it’s time to visit your Ford dealer.
1. Engine Misfires
If your Ford starts sputtering or hesitates when you hit the gas, it could be a sign of a bad ignition coil. This often feels like the car is jerking and can come with a loss of power. It’s one of the most noticeable signs that your ignition coil isn’t working right.
2. Gas Guzzling
Noticed you’re stopping at the gas station more often? A failing ignition coil could be why. If the coil isn’t working properly, your spark plugs might not be igniting the fuel efficiently, which means your engine has to use more fuel to do the same amount of work.
3. Check Engine Light
That little check engine light can mean a lot of things, and one of them is a problem with your ignition coil. Cars today have systems that check for all kinds of engine issues, including spark problems. If your car’s check engine light pops on, you should have it checked out by a professional to see what the problem is.
4. Trouble Starting the Car
If your car’s becoming a pain to start, consider the ignition coil as a possible culprit. A worn-out coil might struggle to make enough spark to get your engine going, especially if it’s been a recurring issue.
5. Engine Stalling
This is a big one. If your Ford stalls while you’re driving or just after starting up, it could be due to a bad ignition coil. This happens because the engine isn’t getting enough power to keep running, often due to a weak spark.
6. Odd Noises
Hearing strange popping noises? These could be backfires, which happen when unburned fuel ignites in the exhaust system instead of in the engine. It’s a common sign of ignition issues, including problems with your ignition coil.
7. Rough Idling
Is your car shaking more than usual at a red light? Your ignition coil might not be able to provide the consistent sparks required to keep the engine running with a steady rhythm. Rough idling feels like the engine is sputtering or struggling to run smoothly when you’re not moving.
Whether it’s engine misfires, extra trips to fill up, or that pesky check engine light, if your car starts acting up, don’t wait to get it checked out. Call Jim Hudson Ford in Lexington, SC to get your ignition coil checked out today.


