Ignition Coil Question?

Question

On a 1989 thunderbird, the coil has a wire that goes to a small metal cylender. I think this is called the "condenser". What does it do? what happens if it goes bad?

Also, how do you tell if the coil is going bad?

Answer 1

You're right. It's a condensor, or often called a capacitor. A capacitor both stores electrical energy and reduces voltage spikes and noise in the system. In the older ignition systems with points, the condensor prevented the points from burning prematurely by providing an alternate path the for current to go as the points were opening.

When the condensor fails you may get voltage spikes which can damage other componenets in the electrical system and may also produce noise in the radio.

The coil is simply two pair of many turns of wire. As such it can be tested for continuity, opens and shorts. The resistance specifications (ohms) are requirqed to test for shorts. The tests are simple and can usually be accomplished with a low cost ohmmeter.

Answer 2

That condensor "soaks" up stray electrons that can cause radio interfearence. If you hear a lot of static on your radio then that is the source. It rarely goes bad so it's no big deal, and it's easy to replace if it does go bad.
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You didn't say if you had any problems with the way the car runs?
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If a coil goes bad, either the engine can not start, or it starts then slows down under a load, as when you are going up a hill or trying to pass another car.
The engine may or may not backfire or miss when this happens.

Answer 3

when cars had points these were really important , they are a capacitor and absorb the voltage when the points opened , come to think of it , electronics must appreciate not having huge current spikes either, if your points/pickup assembly show signs of arching , replace it ,as for the coil test, in a darkened spot, pull the centre wire from the dist. cap and set it across the top of the tower it came out of , have someone crank it over ,and watch for blue sparks.a weak coil may run the car but fail this test. have fun ,be safe.

Answer 4

that little condenser was to keep static out of your radio. You will know if the coil goes bad, the car won't start.

Answer 5

if the coil goes bad your car wont start,and as for the condenser,it just for static for your radio.

Answer 6

The condenser is for arc suppression or noise control.