Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty Ignition Device

Common symptoms include engine misfiring, Check Engine light on, vehicle not starting, and reduced power, acceleration, and fuel economy.

The ignition igniter, also known as the ignition module, is an engine control component found on many road cars and trucks. This is the component of the ignition system that is responsible for signaling the firing of the ignition coils so that a spark can be generated to ignite the cylinder. In some systems, the igniter is also responsible for timing advance and retardation of the engine.

Because the igniter provides a signal that is vital to the operation of the ignition system and the engine, failure of the igniter can cause problems that can drastically affect engine performance. Usually a bad or faulty igniter will cause several symptoms that can alert the driver to a potential problem.

1. Engine misfiring and reduced power, acceleration and fuel efficiency.

One of the first symptoms of a car igniter problem is problems with the engine. If the igniter fails or has any problems, it can compromise the engine spark. This, in turn, can lead to performance issues such as misfiring, loss of power and acceleration, reduced fuel efficiency and, in more serious cases, engine stall.

2. Check Engine light comes on.

A lit Check Engine light is another sign of a potential problem with the vehicle's igniter. If the computer detects any problems with the igniter signal or circuit, it will turn on the Check Engine light to alert the driver to the problem. The Check Engine light can also be caused by igniter-related performance issues such as misfiring, so it's best to check your computer for trouble codes to determine what exactly the problem might be.

3. Car won't start

Another sign of a bad igniter is the failure to start. The igniter is responsible for giving a signal to start the ignition system, in case of failure it can disable the entire ignition system. A car without a working ignition system will not have a spark, and as a result, it will not be able to start. A non-startup condition can also be caused by a variety of other issues, so proper diagnostics are highly recommended.

Because igniters are an electrical component, they can wear out over time and need to be replaced, especially in high mileage vehicles. If you suspect your igniter may have a problem, have your vehicle checked by a professional technician such as AvtoTachki to determine if the igniter should be replaced.