How can I tell if I have a bad ignition coil?

If your vehicle’s check engine light is on it could indicate that you have a bad ignition coil.  The check engine light is triggered by a misfire and a bad ignition coil can cause a misfire.  Another sign could be your engine misfiring.  A misfiring engine will typically run rough, hesitate, and jerk when accelerating. It may also stall or lose power.  Hard engine starts can also signal a faulty ignition coil.  This is because the ignition coil is responsible for providing the spark that ignites the fuel in your engine. If the ignition coil is not working properly, it can be difficult to start your car.  A bad ignition coil can also lead to poor fuel economy. This is because a misfiring engine is less efficient than a properly running engine.  Another possible indication of a bad coil is that the vehicle is backfiring.  Backfires occur when unburnt fuel ignites in the exhaust system. This can be caused by several things, including a bad ignition coil.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to have your car checked by a mechanic. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the necessary repairs.