As car owners, we want to make sure that our vehicles are staying in their best state because not only does it give us the best riding experience, but it also ensures our safety. When the condition of your car is maintained, the chances of you getting into accidents due to vehicle malfunction are lowered. With that said, it is imperative we take the necessary precautionary methods. Among those is keeping our ignition coil in its best condition, and the question you are probably asking is, “can you clean an ignition coil?”
First Things First: What is an Ignition Coil and What Does It Do?
Before you can get to cleaning an ignition coil, you need to know what it is and what it does so that you will be able to tell if what you are doing is right.
An ignition coil, also known as a spark coil, is a vital part of the car’s ignition system because it is responsible for creating the high voltage your vehicle needs in order for the spark plug to spark. This spark leads to the engine of your car starting. An ignition coil functions by transforming the 12-volt output of the car’s battery, referred to as low-tension current, into 45,000 volts which are now called the high-tension current. After it is done transforming, it will now supply the volts to the spark plugs of the engine. You can typically find an ignition coil on the uppermost part of the engine known as the rocker cover.
Given the importance of an ignition coil, it is a must that you properly maintain it.
Can You Clean An Ignition Coil?
Now that we have established the importance of an ignition coil, we can now answer the question of “can you clean an ignition coil?”. Well, our answer to that is yes, but you need the proper technique in order not to damage it. So, as your washing guide, here is how you can clean an ignition coil:
Tools and Materials
In order for you to properly clean your ignition coil, you will need the following tools and materials:
- 7mm Socket
- 5.5mm Socket
- Wire Brush (Soft Copper)
- Electronic Cleaner
- Dielectric Grease
Preparation:
- The first step is accessing the ignition coils, and you may do this by removing the aesthetic plastic engine cover.
- After accessing the ignition coil, you should now disconnect the negative battery cable from the car.
- It is crucial that you label the plug wires and coils before you remove them. This process is done to ensure that all parts will be placed back correctly.
Parts Removal:
- With a 5.5m socket, you can remove the screws of the coil packs
- Now using the 7mm socket, you can remove the screw of the connector from the bottom of the material
Cleaning Process:
- Spray the bottom and top of the ignition coils (the part that connects with the tabs and wires) with the electronic cleaner.
- Lightly scrub the ignition coils with the soft copper brush.
- Once again, clean the part wherein the ignition coils connect with the connectors themselves using the electronic cleaner.
- For the last time, use the electronic cleaner to clean the connectors from the harness of the engine.
- Let all parts thoroughly dry, and then apply the dielectric grease to all of them.
Finishing Up:
- First, put back the module of the vehicle
- Place back each ignition coil and the connectors. Follow the labels and guides you did before the removal of parts.
- If there is any extra dielectric grease, you can just wipe the area clean.
- By following these steps, you can properly clean your ignition coils (and entire coil pack too). On the other hand, if you are looking for a definite fit, then you can also replace the plug wire set with a new one for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean an ignition coil by myself?
Yes, you may but keep in mind that you are dealing with high voltages. With that said, you must disconnect the battery before you start doing anything. But of course, it is still best to have a professional do it.
Is cleaning an ignition coil hard?
Cleaning an ignition coil is generally seen as an easy task by experts, but of course, it is a difficult task to do if you are not a professional.
What is the lifespan of an ignition coil? When is it time to replace and not clean?
An ignition coil usually lasts about two years or around 100,000 miles; however, if you see that it is best to replace it rather than clean it, then that is probably the best course of action.
Washing Guide: Aftercare
As previously stated, an ignition coil is an important part of an engine. With that said, it is essential that you check if your ignition coil is working correctly.
Signs of A Faulty Ignition Coil
- The vehicle is not powering up or lacking power
- Peculiar amount of energy (Can be too powerful)
- Has a gross vacancy
- The vehicle is periodically flashing
- The gas warning light is lighting up even when the vehicle has enough gas
- The RPM is dropping and accelerating
If you encounter any of these symptoms, then it is best to have your vehicle checked by a professional right away to correct the problem.
Key Takeaway
Keeping our vehicles in the best condition is vital for obtaining a smooth ride and avoiding vehicular accidents. Among those preventive measures is cleaning the ignition coils, which you can do on your own with the proper materials, but it is still best to have an expert take a look at it. Also, given the importance of an ignition coil, it is crucial to test it for any fault measures after cleaning.
