NISSAN

A: Despite how hard ignition coils work, they have a relatively long expected lifespan of 80,000 to 100,000 miles. But eventually, the coils in your engine will start to wear out. If you notice the following symptoms, promptly visit your local Nissan dealer to have the faulty ignition coil repaired or replaced.

A: To find a bad ignition coil, use an OBD-II scanner to identify the specific cylinder misfiring, then swap the ignition coil from that cylinder with one from a different cylinder. If the misfire moves to the new cylinder, the swapped coil is bad; if it stays on the original cylinder, the problem is likely the spark plug or other components. Alternatively, you can disconnect coils one at a time while the engine is running: a good coil will cause the engine to change its sound or behavior, while a bad coil will have no effect when disconnected.

A: Yes, a bad ignition coil will almost always trigger a check engine light and set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), typically a P0300-P0312 for a misfire or a P0350-P0362 for a circuit malfunction. The engine control module (ECM) detects the misfire caused by the faulty coil, illuminating the check engine light to inform the driver of the issue.

A: Yes, new ignition coils make a significant difference, especially if the old ones are faulty or failing, by resolving issues like engine misfires, rough idling, poor acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency. They also prevent larger problems, improve overall performance, and ensure a consistent and stronger spark, which is vital for proper engine function.

A: You can drive with a bad ignition coil, but it is not recommended for more than a short distance to get to a repair shop, as it can lead to severe and costly damage to your engine, catalytic converter, and potentially other components. Driving with a misfiring cylinder can cause unburned fuel to enter the exhaust, damaging the catalytic converter, diluting the engine oil, and causing premature wear on the cylinder walls and bearings.

A: Yes, you can typically replace an ignition coil yourself if you have basic mechanical skills and the right tools, though accessibility can vary by vehicle. You will need to disconnect the negative battery terminal, locate the coil, remove the securing bolt and electrical connector, replace the old coil with the new one, and then reassemble and reconnect everything.