If luxury cars were a family, then Jaguar would be the suave rebel without a cause. These vehicles are sporty with a daring edge but still possess all the desirability of a luxury vehicle. Jaguars are for those who like hitting the road just for the thrill.
However, something that can definitely take the joy out of driving is part failure. Often caused by time and use or poor maintenance, a failing part can throw a real spanner in the works when it comes to the driving experience. In this article, we will learn more about ignition coil failure, finding out what the coil is, what causes it to fail, and the signs and symptoms of failure.
What is the ignition coil?
The ignition coil looks like a silver tube with a black plastic aperture. It is a transformer that converts low voltage electricity into high voltage electricity. This high voltage electricity can then be used to provide the spark plug with enough power to create a spark to ignite the fuel within the engine. This then starts the combustion cycle. Put simply, if the ignition coil isn’t functioning, neither is your Jaguar.
What can cause the ignition coil to fail?
There can be several reasons why you might face ignition coil failure such as:
Short Circuits
Failure of the internal short circuits is usually caused by the coil overheating. It can also be caused by a worn out coil or a faulty output stage.
Defective Voltage Supply
This type of failure is caused by wear or overload upon the ignition control unit or output stages. It can be a direct result of faulty wiring or a weak battery.
Mechanical Damage
Mechanical damage to the ignition coil is usually caused by a faulty valve cover gasket but can also be caused by engine oil leaks or damaged insulation.
Contact Fault
Poor connections with contact points are usually caused by high levels of humidity, engine washing, or a build up of grit.
Signs and Symptoms of Failure
Listed below are some of the most common warning signs of imminent ignition coil failure. It is important to not overlook these signs, should they occur in your Jaguar, to avoid being left with the consequences of sudden failure.
Poor Fuel Economy/Efficiency
If your ignition coil isn’t working correctly, you’re likely to notice reduced fuel economy and diminished performance levels. This is due to the rest of your engine parts trying to compensate for coil failure.
Stalling or Misfiring Engine
To properly maintain its combustion cycle, your engine needs all parts involved to be working correctly. Therefore, if your Jaguar’s ignition coil isn’t working correctly, your risk of misfires and stalling will increase.
Starting Issues
In a similar vein, if a part in the combustion cycle is failing, it is likely your vehicle won’t start the first time. This is because the ignition coils won’t reliably give the spark plugs the energy they need, preventing successful ignition first time, second time, or even at all.
Overheating Engine
Overheating is one of the leading causes of coil failure. If you’ve experienced issues with excessive engine heat in the past few weeks, and start to notice coil failure symptoms, this might be the root of your problems.
Engine Vibration
Your engine is meant to hum gently as it operates. However, if it starts to judder or vibrate excessively, then it could damage some of its integral parts, such as the ignition coils.
Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs are in poor condition, they may cause your ignition coil to become worn out. This is because the coil will try to work extra hard to ensure the performance of the spark plugs and wear itself out if given enough time.
Mark Douglas Motorwerks
Luckily, if your Jaguar is experiencing 
ignition coil failure, then you can get expert-level servicing from the dedicated team at Mark Douglas Motorwerks. We are open 5 days a week, and with a five-star service, there is really no need to go anywhere else for all your repair needs.
We service the communities of the Orange County area, including Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Niguel, CA.