Pencil Ignition Coils

Pencil Coil Ignition Testing Ways

As long as there is a spark, pencil ignition coils are working well.

As a professional auto spare parts supplier, we assume the unique and safe way to test sparks is to use a spark tester. But you should test the resistance of primary and secondary circuits of pencil ignition coils before spark tester. A digital 10 megaohm impedance ohmmeter is the testing tool to pencil ignition coils. Different vehicle manufacturers have different test specifications.

Firstly, ohmmeter has two leads and connected to pencil coil primary terminal "+ " and "-". Most pencil coil ignition should read between 0.4 and 2.0 ohms. 0.0 resistance means a shorted coil while a high resistance means an open coil.

Secondly, test the positive "+" terminal and high voltage output terminal, mostly read 6,000 to 8,000 ohms, some others may read as high as 15,000 ohms.

If ohmmeter have correct reading, you need to use a spark tester.

The tester one lead should be pluged into the pencil ignition coils and attached the ground wire, the other lead shoud be pluged in the coil connector. Then adjust the spark gap to the correct value and start the vehicle engine. It happens there's spark, that works. If there's no spark, it's a bad pencil coil ignition.

How Long Do Pencil Coils Last ?

Pencil coils, also known as ignition coils or coil packs, are an integral part of car ignition components. They are responsible for converting the low voltage power from the battery into the thousands of volts necessary to create an electric spark in the spark plugs, igniting the fuel. This process is crucial for the engine to run and the vehicle to move.

The longevity of pencil coils can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, the quality of the coil, the driving conditions, and how well the vehicle is maintained. However, on average, a pencil coil should last between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Some higher-quality coils can even last up to 150,000 miles if the vehicle is well-maintained.

It’s important to note that while these are average figures, the actual lifespan of a pencil coil can be significantly shorter or longer. For instance, driving in harsh conditions, frequent short trips, or using low-quality fuel can all shorten the lifespan of the coil. On the other hand, regular servicing, using high-quality fuel, and driving in optimal conditions can extend the coil's lifespan.

Pencil coils are designed to be robust and durable, but like any other part of a vehicle, they are not immune to wear and tear. Over time, the constant high voltage can cause the insulation to break down, leading to a failure in the coil. When this happens, the coil will not be able to produce the necessary voltage for the spark plugs, leading to a variety of engine problems.

Symptoms of a failing pencil coil can include misfires, loss of power, poor fuel economy, rough idling, and difficulty starting the engine. In some cases, a failing coil can also trigger the check engine light on the dashboard. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage.