Mercedes cars and SUVs are luxurious and quite complex, with an array of systems that work hand-in-hand for a smooth driving experience. One of these systems is the ignition system which houses the ignition coil, spark plug, cylinder and ignition switch.
The Mercedes ignition coil, also known as the spark coil, is responsible for converting low currents coming from the car battery into enough power to initiate combustion and start the car engine. However, like all other parts of the car, the health of the ignition coil affects the mechanical and electrical performance of your car.
Effects of a Faulty Ignition Coil on the Mercedes Engine
As a low paycheck can make humans unmotivated to work, so can a faulty ignition coil make your engine perform poorly. In the worst situation, it can make the engine not function at all.
Bad Ignition coil can affect your Mercedes engine in several ways:
- Engine Failure: A faulty ignition coil robs the Mercedes engine of enough juice to start. The car engine becomes difficult to start or even needs more cranking time as the spark needed for ignition is weak and inconsistent.
- Engine Misfiring: Because the ignition coil is responsible for providing the spark needed to initiate the fuel-air combustion in the car engine cylinder, when it malfunctions, it can lead to engine misfiring. This further results in rough engine operation, reduced power and rough acceleration.
- Inefficient emissions: The expected emissions from Mercedes cars are expected to be harmless to the environment, but inefficient combustion changes that narrative. Inefficient combustion in the car engine caused by faulty ignition coil leads to higher emission of unburned fuel, thereby increasing the level of harmful exhaust gasses.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: As a result of incomplete combustion of fuel, the car engine would use more fuel to compensate for the loss.
What are the Signs of Faulty Ignition Coils?
As a Mercedes driver and a lover of efficient cars, you should be well informed on the symptoms of a bad Ignition coil, so as to have them replaced or repaired at an early stage before it affects other parts of the car, and becomes too expensive to change.
- Dashboard warning: Connected to the Engine control unit (ECU) of a Mercedes car is an onboard diagnostic device which sends a signal to the dashboard when there is a problem with the ignition system. When you notice a check engine light warning on your dashboard, you might probably have a faulty ignition coil affecting the performance of the engine.
- Rough Idling: When you have a faulty ignition coil, your car would jerk while moving, with the engine giving a rough sound like a sputtering reminiscent of coughing while idling. The car engine would also find it difficult to run smoothly when you try to drive at a normal pace.
- Engine vibration: The Mercedes ignition cylinders are designed to fight against harsh vibrations from the engine block. However, a bad ignition coil will make those cylinders fire out of order, thereby making the driver have a feeling as there is some vibration in the engine component.
- Exhaust backfire: Faulty ignition coil will make the spark plug go off before the cylinder finishes its compression stroke thereby making heat and pressure inside the cylinder produce a loud bang, followed by loss of acceleration and power. Also, in the exhaust system, you would see black soot being emitted from the pipe, with a strong smell of burnt fuel.
- Hard start: This is one of the major signs you need to get your ignition coil checked. When a bad ignition coil sends irregular sparks to the engine, you will find it difficult to start the engine, and your vehicle will stall when you stop it.
When you experience any of these signs in your Mercedes, the best line of action should be taking the car to a certified and experienced auto mechanic for proper diagnostic and repair.
The Auto Mechanic Shop That Delivers the Best Service
Mercedes maintenance and repair require a high level of expertise and experience from the Auto mechanic, which is why at Bavarian Workshop, we have certified technicians that put the interest of the driver and car at heart. We understand that the Mercedes car requires its unique service requirement and will work with you to get your car’s needs attended to.
Since 1994, Bavarian Workshop has serviced drivers in West Hills, CA, and neighboring areas like Agoura, Calabasas, and Woodland Hills. You are guaranteed the best service for your car when you visit Bavarian Workshop!