Ignition apparatus - design and common faults

As a driver, you should be aware that some components, such as spark plugs, need to be replaced regularly. However, they are part of a larger system. One of its parts is the ignition device. It is thanks to him that the engine can start working and set the car in motion. Therefore, you need to know how to check the ignition device if something bad starts to happen to it. We describe in the article how this element works and, of course, indicate the most common malfunctions and their causes. Read and learn more about the part of the car that allows it to start!

Ignition apparatus - what does it look like from the inside?

The ignition device is actually a single system of several different elements that guarantee its efficient operation. However, its design may differ from whether it is electrical (in new vehicles) or electromechanical. The latter, however, is found mainly in older models. The design of the electric ignition device is similar, but there is no distributor, i.e. all mechanical elements. This arrangement usually consists of:

• breaker;
• high voltage distributor (not available in electric version);
• ignition timing regulator;
• capacitor.

Ignition apparatus - what is the dome responsible for?

The igniter dome (also called the lid) has a simple task. It should supply current to the spark plugs. It must be fully functional, because without it the engine will not start. It is easy to find in the engine compartment. It is connected to the cables leading to the engine, which makes it look like an octopus. This is not an expensive element - it costs about 15-3 euros - but for the operation of the ignition device, it is necessary to regularly check its condition.

Ignition apparatus - signs of damage to the dome

If your car won't start, the problem might be with the ignition switch or some other part of the system. Often the cause is a broken dome. Fortunately, even a non-specialist familiar with the basic design of a car can check if this is the problem. After you find him, check if he is moving. If so, the screws probably aren't holding it tight enough. Then disconnect the battery and dismantle the element. Then you can carefully inspect it to see if it is cracked.

Damaged ignition device - symptoms are easy to recognize

Regardless of which component of the ignition system has been damaged, the symptoms will be similar. The car will not start well, and sometimes you will not be able to start it at all. Especially if the engine is already cold. In addition, the vehicle will lose its power, even if it was a real beast before. You will also be able to see an increase in fuel consumption. Damage to the ignition device can also be manifested by loss of fluidity when driving and characteristic jerks.

Ignition apparatus - symptoms of breakdown and the most common malfunctions

Speaking of malfunctions in the ignition apparatus, it is difficult to stop only on it. After all, it is part of a larger mechanism that can fail completely. Among the most common faults are broken or broken high voltage cables that lead to the coil or spark plugs. It is worth noting that they can sometimes be gnawed by a rat or other rodent roaming inside the vehicle. Another fault in this larger mechanism is flooded spark plugs. The system may also not work properly if you forget to change the filters regularly.

Damaged ignition device - symptoms can lead to serious consequences

If the ignition device starts to fail, you will not always notice bright and clear symptoms of the problem. They may appear for a while and disappear at the initial stage of the failure. Remember that erratic engine operation can lead to serious problems. For this reason, it is so important to regularly check the condition of each element of the car. If you do not pay attention to the symptoms, it may turn out that the 700-100 euros that you spend on repairing the system is a small amount. The cost of replacing the heart of a car, which is the engine, is much more of a pain to the wallet.

The ignition device is one of the parts of the engine system, without which the car will not be able to start. You have already recognized the characteristic symptoms that portend that something is wrong with her. Remember not to underestimate them. First check to see if this component is the source of the problem and replace defective parts if necessary.