What is an ignition coil?

An ignition coil is an essential component in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine. It functions as an electrical device that transforms the low voltage from the battery into a high voltage, which is necessary to create a spark in the spark plugs. This high voltage spark ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders, enabling combustion.

The ignition coil serves a crucial role in ensuring the engine runs efficiently. By increasing the voltage, it allows the spark plugs to produce a strong enough spark to ignite the mixture, which is critical for engine performance and reliability. Understanding the function of the ignition coil is key for diagnosing ignition system issues and maintaining engine health.

In contrast, components such as an electronic control unit manage various electronic functions in a vehicle but do not generate high voltage for ignition. Low voltage generation alone is insufficient for ignition systems, emphasizing the importance of the ignition coil's role. Additionally, while exhaust emission filters are important for controlling pollutants, they are unrelated to the ignition process itself.