Service and Cost
Typical Cost
1. Cost of Parts:
- Single Ignition Coil: $75 to $200. OEM coils typically cost $150-200, while quality aftermarket options range from $75-125.
- Coil Pack: Complete coil pack assemblies range from $200 to $400, depending on vehicle make and model.
2. Labor Costs:
- Standard replacement (easily accessible): 1 hour ($125)
- Complex replacement (requiring additional disassembly): 1.5-2 hours ($187-250)
3. Total Replacement Cost:
- Single coil replacement: $200-425 (including parts and labor)
- Full coil pack replacement: $325-650 (including parts and labor)
4. Repair vs. Replacement:
- Ignition coils cannot be repaired and must be replaced when faulty. We only install new, warranty-backed components.
5. DIY Replacement:
- While DIY is possible, professional installation ensures proper diagnosis and prevents potential damage to related components. Our certified technicians perform comprehensive testing with each replacement.
6. Additional Costs:
- Diagnostic fee: $125 (waived with repair)
- Related components that may need replacement:
* Spark plugs: $15-25 each plus labor
* Spark plug wires (if applicable): $50-150 plus labor
- All parts come with manufacturer warranty and our labor is guaranteed for 12 months/12,000 miles.
Typical Service Procedure
When replacing or repairing an ignition coil, several components and steps are typically involved to ensure your vehicle's ignition system functions properly. Here's what is generally included:
1. Diagnosis: Our technicians perform a thorough diagnosis to confirm that the coil is the source of the problem. This includes using diagnostic tools to check for error codes, misfires, or other symptoms.
2. Ignition Coil: The primary component replaced is the ignition coil itself. Depending on your vehicle, this could be a single coil or multiple coils (one for each cylinder).
3. Spark Plugs: We inspect and potentially replace spark plugs when replacing an ignition coil, as worn or damaged spark plugs can affect the performance of the new coil.
4. Ignition Wires: If your vehicle uses ignition wires (as opposed to coil-on-plug systems), we inspect these and replace them if they show signs of wear or damage.
5. Coil Boots: In coil-on-plug systems, we check the rubber boots that connect the coil to the spark plug and replace them if they are cracked or damaged.
6. Electrical Connections: We thoroughly check and clean all electrical connections to the ignition coil to ensure proper connectivity. Corroded or loose connections can lead to ignition problems.
7. Mounting Hardware: Our technicians inspect any mounting brackets or hardware used to secure the ignition coil and replace them if necessary to ensure the coil is properly secured.
8. Testing: After installation, we thoroughly test the ignition system to ensure the new coil is functioning correctly. This includes starting the engine, checking for error codes, and ensuring there are no misfires.
9. Warranty: We provide warranty information for your new ignition coil, which should be kept for future reference in case of defects or early failure.
10. Documentation: We provide complete documentation of the repair or replacement, detailing all work performed and parts replaced.
These steps help ensure that your ignition system is restored to proper working order and that your vehicle runs smoothly.
What is a Igntion Coil and What Does It Do?
An ignition coil is a crucial component in a vehicle's ignition system. Its primary function is to convert the low voltage from the vehicle's battery into the high voltage needed to create an electric spark in the spark plugs. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders, enabling the engine to start and run.Here's a more detailed breakdown of how it works:
1. Low Voltage Input: The ignition coil receives a low voltage (usually 12 volts) from the car's battery.
2. Electromagnetic Induction: Inside the ignition coil, there are two sets of windings: the primary winding and the secondary winding. When the low voltage current flows through the primary winding, it creates a magnetic field.
3. Voltage Transformation: When the current is suddenly interrupted (usually by the ignition control module or distributor), the magnetic field collapses. This rapid change induces a much higher voltage in the secondary winding due to electromagnetic induction.
4. High Voltage Output: The secondary winding, which has many more turns of wire than the primary winding, transforms the low voltage into a high voltage (often between 15,000 to 45,000 volts).
5. Spark Generation: This high voltage is then sent to the spark plugs via the ignition wires, creating a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders.Ignition coils can come in various configurations, such as a single coil for all cylinders (older systems), coil packs (one coil for multiple cylinders), or coil-on-plug systems (one coil per cylinder). The design and configuration depend on the vehicle's make, model, and engine type.
Signs of a bad Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is a crucial component in a vehicle's ignition system, responsible for converting the battery's low voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark in the spark plugs. When an ignition coil begins to fail, it can lead to a variety of symptoms. Here are some common signs of a failing ignition coil:
1. Engine Misfires: One of the most common symptoms of a failing ignition coil is engine misfires. This occurs when the coil cannot provide enough voltage to the spark plugs, leading to incomplete combustion. You might notice a rough idle, hesitation during acceleration, or a noticeable drop in engine power.
2. Check Engine Light: A failing ignition coil can trigger the check engine light on your dashboard. The vehicle's onboard diagnostic system may detect misfires or other issues related to the ignition system and store a trouble code, which can be read with a diagnostic scanner.
3. Poor Fuel Economy: If the ignition coil is not functioning properly, the engine may not burn fuel efficiently, leading to decreased fuel economy. You might notice that you need to fill up the gas tank more frequently than usual.
4. Difficulty Starting the Engine: A bad ignition coil can make it difficult to start the engine, especially in cold weather. The engine may crank but fail to start, or it may take longer than usual to start.
5. Backfiring: A failing ignition coil can cause the engine to backfire. This happens when unburned fuel is expelled through the exhaust system, creating a loud popping sound.
6. Stalling: The engine may stall unexpectedly if the ignition coil is failing. This can happen while idling or even while driving, which can be dangerous.
7. Reduced Power and Acceleration: A faulty ignition coil can lead to a noticeable reduction in engine power and acceleration. The vehicle may feel sluggish and unresponsive.
8. Vibrations: If the ignition coil is failing, you might experience unusual vibrations, especially when the vehicle is idling. This is often due to misfires causing the engine to run unevenly.
9. Increased Emissions: A malfunctioning ignition coil can lead to increased emissions, as incomplete combustion results in higher levels of unburned hydrocarbons being released into the exhaust.If you suspect that your ignition coil is failing, it's important to have it inspected and replaced if necessary. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious engine problems and potentially costly repairs.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
