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}Ford F-150 Ignition Coils
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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Summary
- An ignition coil is a specialized type of induction coil. Its main function is to transform low-voltage power to high-voltage currents.
- The iron core, coils, and terminals receive, convert, and pass electric current to the engineThe primary winding generates a magnetic field and a contact breaker collapses it.
- The magnetic field then transfers to the secondary winding as a high-voltage pulse.
- The types of ignition coil used by Ford F-150 are canister-type, ignition block, in-cap, coil-on plug, and coil pack system.
- A canister type ignition coil will cost you around $30 to $40. Ignition block on the other hand costs around $20 to $80. In-cap, coil-on-plug or coil pack systems can cost more ranging from $15 to $1,000.
- Ignition coils keep the engine from misfiring. A proper ignition system maintains engine health and will help avoid engine backfire.
The Ford F-150 is one of the country’s most dominating full-size pickup trucks. It is part of the blue oval’s F-Series that composes of large commercial and chassis cab trucks. Introduced in 1975, the Ford F-150 now has 13 generations under its belt, with the latest model introduced in 2015.
There have been countless improvements since the very birth of the Ford F-150, from engine line-up to body styling. But no matter how big these changes are, and unless Ford wants the F-Series to go full electric, the truck will continue to rely on ignition coils. Ignition coils are devices that are responsible for powering your truck after turning the keys or pressing the ignition button. Let’s learn about Ford F-150’s ignition coil and why you need to immediately replace a damaged one.
What is an ignition coil?
The ignition coil was invented in the mid-1800s and was initially called as induction coils. After years of developments and due to its application to automobiles, engineers started naming it the ignition coil. More complex systems were introduced but they all boil down to one thing, amplifying the low-voltage power from the battery to generate enough power to fire up the engine.
How does an ignition coil work?
Cars used to feature weird mechanisms back in the day and part of it was the use of high-tension magnetos instead of ignition coils. It was only in 1910 when car manufacturers began switching to specialized induction coils. There are three basic components of an ignition coil; the iron core, coils, and terminals. Together, these three receive, convert, and pass electric current from the battery to the glow plug.
To start your truck, the battery needs to supply the engine with power. However, the battery can only generate 12-volts, which is not enough to power the engine. This is the main reason why every vehicle needs an ignition coil. There are primary and secondary windings inside the ignition coil. The primary winding generates a magnetic field, which is then collapsed to generate high-voltage pulse in the secondary winding via a contact breaker. Although it might sound very easy and simple, all of these happen in a matter of seconds.
Types of ignition coils
Canister type
The can-type coil is one of the oldest types of ignition coil and is commonly found in classic cars which feature rotating high-voltage distribution and contact breaker control. Inside the canister, there is oil serving as the insulator and coolant. Modern can type ignition coils have dry insulation.
Coil-on-plug
Coil-on-plug, also known as pencil, plug shaft, or simply plug, is a type of ignition coil that is found directly on top of each spark or glow plug. This type of ignition coil uses high-voltage connectors instead of ignition cables. The amount of coil-on-plug ignition coils needs to match the number of plugs for each cylinder.
Coil pack system
This type of ignition coil is a single component of multiple coil-on-plug shafts mounted on a rail. The number of plug shafts coincides with the number of cylinders in your engine. Coil pack systems also contribute to a visually pleasing engine compartment as there would be no looping of ignition cables.
Ignition blocks
Ignition coil blocks come either with single or double spark technology. Single spark blocks have ignition cables supplying power to a single cylinder, while dual spark ignition coils supply simultaneous power to two cylinders.
What type of ignition coil does the Ford F-150 uses?
There are different types of ignition coils in the market, each of them having different designs and layouts. Older Ford F-150 models from 1975 up until 1987 use canister-type ignition coils, while succeeding models feature ignition blocks. Modern Ford F-150 trucks beginning 1997 to present utilize in-cap, coil-on-plug, or coil pack systems. Since the current Ford F-150 is powered by either a V6 or V8, there are six or eight ignition coils for each glow plug.
Coil-on-plug ignition coils are found on each glow plug and do not necessarily need ignition cables. Instead high-voltage connectors are found in place for the regular cables. Meanwhile, a coil pack comprises of multiple coil-on-plug ignition coils mounted on a single rail. Due to its design, there is no need for multiple connecting cables to connect the coil pack system, resulting in a more organized engine compartment.
How much is an OE replacement ignition coil for Ford F-150?
The variations of ignition coil designs available across the entire Ford F-150 nameplate play a huge in affecting the price. Generally, ignition coils used for the truck, regardless of the generation, are around $15 to $1,000.
To be more specific, canister-type ignition coils found in 1957 to 1987 Ford F-150 models are roughly around $30 to $80. Ignition blocks typically cost $20 to $80, while In-cap, coil-on-plug, and coil pack designs are anywhere between $15 and $1,000. You can opt for individually sold product, kits, or sets, depending on your needs.
What’s the importance of replacing worn-out ignition coils?
For your convenience, you need to be vigilant about worn-out ignition coils as they can affect your truck’s fuel efficiency. That’s because failing ignition coils can cause your engine to backfire, which could then lead to engine misfiring. Both issues lead to poor engine lifespan and fuel economy. Ignoring or prolonging an ignition coil problem can also lead to occasional stalling and ignition difficulties so it’s best to deal with it as soon as you suspect a problem.
What's the easiest way to test the Ford F-150 ignition coil?
For a Ford F-150 owner who wants to test the truck's ignition, one of the oldest methods is to detach the wire from the distributor side and hold it close to the block, a valve cover, or any suitable ground. The key should be set to the "on" position. If a spark is created out of the wire, it means the coil is in good condition. This method works well, but the DIYer must be cautious enough because it involves high voltage. It is important to wear insulated gloves and safety goggles and to use only those pliers that have rubber-coated handles when holding the wire. The ignition coil must not be placed near the ground for too long, as this can send power to the ground and may cause the coil to short out.
How do worn-out spark plugs affect a Ford F-150 ignition coil?
Worn-out spark plugs force the ignition coils to work harder so it can deliver a much higher output. The harder they work, especially if they're pushed to their limits, the shorter their lifetime becomes. So to avoid premature wear and other ignition problems, it is important that the Ford-150 ignition coils are kept in tiptop condition. Also, widened gap in the spark plug due to normal erosion results in increased voltage needed to generate a spark in the combustion chamber. This increase in voltage needs more current flowing through the primary circuit; the increase in current flow can overload the truck's primary transistor.
Does the ignition coil also suffer from water damage?
Yes. Though spark-plug igniters have protection against outside elements, only a rubber seal keeps water from entering the spark plug well. In the long run or due to several factors, the seal will wear out or become torn. If it malfunctions even a bit, water can get into spark plug well and cause short circuit, thereby burning out the spark plug. Since they work hand in hand, once the spark plugs are damaged, the ignition coils immediately follow.
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