How to Clean Ignition Coil
Imagine waking up every day and getting ready for work in a flurry just to find your car not kicking its engine when you turn in the keys to start. That’s when you know something is wrong with the ignition system.
Within this system is a tiny ignition coil that is responsible for starting your car. Now, how to clean the ignition coil?
It’s pretty straightforward. Firstly, you need to loosen the bolts and then get the wire off. Then slide the boot off by twisting it, leaving the ignition coil. Then use an air intake cleaner to clean the coil using a small toothbrush.
Quite intriguing, isn’t it? Stick with this write-up for the ins and outs on this topic. So, let’s dive into the details!
How to Clean Ignition Coil?
Cleaning isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Apart from that, cleaning the ignition coil could be quite tedious, especially without any prior experience. But don’t worry, as we’ve got you covered. Just follow the guidelines below to ensure you know everything about cleaning the ignition coil of your vehicle.
Step 1: Loosen the 10mm Bolts and Remove Wiring
Once you’ve completely turned off your car, lift the engine cover and then locate the spark plug chambers. The ignition coil cylinders should be above the spark plugs.
Now wheel out the 10mm bolt securing the coil pack using a 10 mm wrench. Then pull off the wire connected to the coil pack.
Step 2: Pull Out the Coil Pack Cylinder and Remove the Boot
Since all the tools securing the coil pack in place have been removed. It’s now time to pull out the cylinder. Gently pull it out by wheeling through. Once removed, underneath it, you could also see the spark plugs.
However, you still haven’t noticed the ignition coil, right? Well, to reach that part, you need to twist off the boot cover of the cylinder. It could be quite difficult to actually pull the boot out, but with constant twisting and determination, it eventually comes off.
Hence, you are left with the coil on the inside and a small spring strip.
Step 3: Clean the Coil Using Air Intake Cleaner
Since you’ve removed the boot cover already and can see the coil properly, you might be disgusted with the amount of greasy debris caked upon it. But believe us, it gets worse. If these are neglected, this will result in rusting and breaking of the coil itself, leading to engine fires.
Use a good old air intake cleaner to spray it inside the cylindrical coil to flush out all the grease and debris. Also, use a small head toothbrush to brush the insides of the coil and remove any stubborn dirt and debris.
For your interest, an air intake cleaner would cost around $12 and could be used for a lot of purposes. Pretty cheap, isn’t it? But the task can be labor heavy. Follow the steps in reverse order to get the clean coil back in place.
How Do You Clean Ignition Coils?
Realistically speaking, it’s human nature to look for shortcuts. Now, in this case, that would be to get the ignition coil replaced with a new one or get help from a mechanic.
However, not everyone has the luxury of taking this shortcut. Now without any further ado, let’s look at the most cost-effective, simple, and efficient method of cleaning the ignition coils.
For the disassembling and removal of the cylindrical coil part, you need to follow the first and second steps from the above section in case you missed them.
Then for an almost free cleaning option, you could use the brake cleaner of your car, which almost every American vehicle owner has readily. Spray the clever on the insides to remove the debris. Also, you could have an old toothbrush for your toddler to remove stubborn bits of dirt.
Once the cleaning is done, air dry it and then place everything back in place by following the guidelines given in the above section.
However, It’s not recommended to use brake cleaner to clean ignition coils. It can damage the coils’ sensitive electrical components.
Can You Clean Ignition Coil with WD-40?
Wd-40 is designed to protect any metallic equipment from heavy rust and corrosion. It gives the metal a protective coating which then prevents it from rusting by lubricating it.
Applying Wd-40 may or may not get the work done as it depends on which part of the ignition system is faulty and needs replacement. However, this also helps in detecting faulty wires around the ignition coil as well.
It’s wise to spray the coil and plug wires with a coat of Wd-40 to see if it works. And if it doesn’t, then you might need to replace the plugs along with the wires. After the replacement, spray Wd-40 again afterward.
How Do You Fix An Ignition Coil?
It might not be wrong to say it’s almost impossible to fix an ignition coil by a regular vehicle driver. Thus, a faulty ignition coil indicates the need for a replacement. Now replacements could be easy to find if the coil is on top of the motor or side facing the radiator.
Replacement costs would also vary from $60 to $80 for a new coil, and the installation costs using a mechanic would be between $20 to $300. Costs may vary depending on location. But hey! You could always do the installation part by yourself, following the guidelines given above.
What Are the Symptoms of A Weak Ignition Coil?
It’s never too late to clean the ignition coil. We know that and want you to believe it too. However, due to busy schedules and all, it’s quite difficult to keep in check with your daily transport. Let’s look at the common symptoms of a weak ignition coil, shall we?
Check If the Engine Light is On
When you notice that your check engine light is on, you get a rough idea about something not right with the engine. So you need to get to the root to find the cause of this. Often reasons would be due to faulty ignition coil.
Engine Misfires Are Frequent
If you are noticing frequent engine misfiring, then the cause of this could be a weak ignition coil.
Lacking Power
Due to less delivery of voltage from the battery to the spark plug, there might be a blatant lack of power delivered to the engine. If you notice this, then you know who the culprit is.
Abrupt Backfires
Sudden backfires can be scary to look at and can cause violent accidents. So the next time you notice people staring at your car, stop by and ask them because the shiny look of your car wouldn’t always be the only cause of public attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean my ignition coil myself?
Yes, You can as long as you’re comfortable following basic instructions and handling car parts. However, if the problem seems complex to you, then take help of a professional mechanic.
Can you clean ignition coils with brake cleaner?
Using brake cleaner to clean ignition coils is not recommended.
How to clean ignition coil contacts?
Clean them with a soft brush and electrical contact cleaner. Dry them with a towel. Then, reinstall the coil and reconnect the battery. Test the vehicle to ensure it runs smoothly.
How often should I clean my ignition coil?
There’s no set schedule for cleaning your ignition coil. It’s good to inspect it regularly for any visible dirt, debris, or damage.
Is it necessary to replace the spark plugs after cleaning ignition coil?
It’s not strictly necessary to replace spark plugs after cleaning the ignition coil. But, if your spark plugs are old or worn out, it’s good practice to replace them at the same time.
What is the relationship between spark plug removal and cleaning the ignition coil?
When removing spark plug without socket, it is important to consider the relationship between spark plug removal and cleaning the ignition coil. A clean ignition coil can improve spark plug performance, and vice versa. Regular maintenance of both can ensure optimal engine function and fuel efficiency.
Can you clean coil packs?
It’s not a good practice to clean ignition coil packs! It’s safer to replace them when faulty or dirty. This will ensure optimal performance.
Verdict
Your vehicle engine needs to be taken care of every once in a while. It deserves prestige maintenance like any other sports car or monster truck. Hence, if you’ve had your eyes on this piece of writing from the beginning till now, you now would be prepared enough to clean the ignition coil.
Doing all this by yourself can sound like a tough job to do. However, you could always get it done by a professional if you’re willing to pay the extra hundred bucks.
Hopefully, you’ve understood the importance of cleaning the ignition coil by now. Routine maintenance would be enough to keep it and the engine running well for decades. This simple responsibility could save you fortunes ahead.
