Are you having problems with your BMW’s engine like misfires or rough running? These could be signs of a faulty ignition coil. Ignition coils are very important as they help provide high voltage from a low voltage battery to ignite the fuel mixture of the engine. When they fail it results in many issues such as fuel efficiency and check engine light coming on. Ignition coil failure should not be overlooked as it may cause more severe issues with the engine in the future. Here are steps to take to diagnose ignition coil failure and how you can proceed to solve this problem in your BMW.

Diagnosing Ignition Coil Failure

  • OBD-II Scanner: The use of an OBD-II scanner is one of the best techniques for diagnosing faulty ignition coils. This device scans the trouble codes already saved in the computer system of your BMW. When an ignition coil goes bad, it sets a specific trouble code that may tell whether or not a particular cylinder is firing or if the problem is with the ignition coil. With the help of an OBD-II scanner, the problem can be identified in no time, and your mechanic can figure out which ignition coil requires repair.
  • Visual Inspection: Another way of determining the failure of ignition coils is through a visual check on the components. Pop open the hood and inspect every ignition coil for any visible signs of wear. Some signs that can be easily observed include cracking, burning, or corrosion on the coils. Faulty coils are sometimes the cause of the problem, and it is possible to visually spot such issues to rectify them early enough.
  • Swap Test: If you have no access to an OBD-II scanner, a simple swap test can help you diagnose the issue in question. Replace the suspected bad ignition coil with a known good one from a different cylinder. After swapping, start the engine again and you will realize that the misfire or problem has shifted to the new cylinder. If it does, then it must be the ignition coil that you replaced earlier, that is causing the problem. This method is very simple and efficient in cases where there is suspicion that one of the ignition coils is faulty.

Fixing Ignition Coil Failure

  • Locate the Ignition Coil: To start solving the problem of failed ignition coils, first, open the hood and find the ignition coil. Generally, ignition coils are located on the top side of the engine and are fitted to the spark plugs.
  • Disconnect the Battery: One has to be very cautious when dealing with the electrical system of a BMW. In that case, you need to turn off the car and remove the negative terminal of the battery to avoid any electrical mishap while working on the ignition coils.
  • Remove the Faulty Ignition Coil: Remove the electrical connector that is connected to the bad ignition coil. Make sure that you are very gentle when you are unscrewing any bolts or screws that are holding the coil in place. After these are out, carefully pull out the bad ignition coil from its place.
  • Install New Ignition Coil: The new ignition coil should be inserted in the same place where the previous one was removed. Secure it with the bolts or screws that you removed earlier from the same area. Make sure that the new coil is properly fitted and connected to the electrical connector again. Once the replacement of the new ignition coil is done, reconnect the negative terminal of the car battery. This will restore power to the battery of your BMW and enable you to test the new coil. When it’s time to repair your ignition coil, make sure you take it to a professional BMW mechanic.

Visit The Best BMW Repair Shop In Yorba Linda

Integrity Motorcar is capable of repairing and BMW Ignition Coil Check maintaining popular European cars for drivers in Yorba Linda, CA, and its vicinity. If you have a hard time starting your BMW or you see that it stutters, then the problem may lie in the ignition coil. When you see this, simply bring your car to our garage and our technicians with lots of experience in handling BMW cars will attend to it. Besides Yorba Linda, we offer cheap and high-quality services to BMW owners from Anaheim Hills, Brea, Fullerton, and Tustin, CA. Call 714-279-1156 today to find out what outstanding BMW repairs are like.

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