Niterra, owner of the brands NGK and NTK, Warning about 5 signs of ignition coil problems

Poor performance of these components can result in engine failures or even the impossibility of proper functioning

São Paulo, January 2024 – A Niterra, Japanese multinational owner of the NGK and NTK brands and specialized in components for ignition systems and automotive sensors, Highlights five indicators of potential ignition coil problems. The poor performance of this vital equipment for generating high voltage in the spark plugs can result in engine failures or even the impossibility of its proper operation. check out:

1- Difficulty of starting in the engine;

2- Throttle failures and erratic idling;

3- Increased fuel consumption and emission of polluting gases;

4- Damage to the catalytic converter;

5- Lubricating oil contamination.

"These signals have the potential to impair the durability of engine components, once the unburned fuel is released into the exhaust system, in which the catalyst lies. This catalytic converter operates at temperatures above 300 degrees, which increases the likelihood of ignition of the unburned fuel and, consequently, generates damage", explains Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance Consultant.

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"The presence of unburned fuel poses a threat to the integrity of the lubricating oil due to contamination that can significantly compromise the durability of the engine", adds Mori.

Why Do the Signs Appear?

The factors mentioned above can appear for a number of reasons, such as:

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• Wear on the spark plugs increases the spark voltage, putting additional pressure on the coils;

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• High temperatures in the engine can reduce its service life;

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• Alternator failures have the potential to raise supply voltage, resulting in damage to the coils;

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• Changes in loading caused by injection module problems or wiring harness damage can harm the coils;

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• Improper flushing of the engine with incorrect chemicals can lead to oxidation of the coils.

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"Ignition coils don't have a durability defined by the automakers - it depends on the maintenance conditions of the vehicle", says Mori.

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Fixing the issues

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Rapid identification and correction of these issues is essential to ensure the full functioning of the ignition system. One aspect that contributes to this performance is that the driver is aware of the ideal time to carry out its maintenance. It is recommended to perform an inspection of the system every 10,000 kilometers or, at the very least, annually.

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"The most effective approach at this point is to run a functional test, in which a mechanic evaluates the coil's trigger voltage and the signal waveform. It is also possible to conduct a visual inspection, identifying problems such as oxidation and cracking", affirms Mori. "I also emphasize the importance of evaluating the operation of the engine, especially during acceleration with load, when higher stress is required. ”

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For Coils That Have Already Been Committed, the NGK brand, of Niterra, offers the automotive aftermarket a wide range of these products developed especially for the Asian markets, Europe, United States and Brazil. These are components that have high technology and quality and ensure that the engine is within performance specifications, Economy and emissions.