Car Starting Issues and Ignition Repair

The engine’s ability to convert energy into mechanical motion relies on precise timing. Once the air and fuel enter the combustion chamber, they must be ignited at exactly the right moment. A vehicle’s ignition system is responsible for sensing the engine’s position and providing a high energy spark at precisely the right instant. The process begins with the crankshaft sensor, a device that senses the speed and position of the crankshaft and sends the resulting information to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Subsequently, the ECU interprets the signal and directs the ignition coil to send a high voltage to the spark plug, igniting the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber. If any of the ignition components are malfunctioning, the spark will not be timed properly, and the engine will not be able to start.  You may be experiencing ignition problems if your engine feels like it is running rough, surging, stalling, bucking or if you notice a decrease in fuel economy. We have state of the art equipment and expert technicians who can fix any issues with your ignition.

Spark Plug

A spark plug takes high voltage electricity on one end and creates a spark at the other end, which then ignites the fuel and air mixture inside the combustion chamber, generating the energy that powers the car. A typical spark plug is grayish-brown in color and is made up of an outer shell, a connecting terminal, a core, and several electrodes. On the end that produces a spark, there is a gap between two or more electrodes. When the high voltage is sent from the other end, sparks jump the gap and small pieces of the electrodes are burned off. This occurs hundreds of times a minute while your car is running, and consequently, the gap will widen over time and your engine will start to misfire. Additional symptoms of spark plug failure include decrease in efficiency, increase in emissions, difficulty starting, and poor vehicle performance. Neglecting to fix a failing spark plug can lead to expensive damage to your vehicle’s catalytic converter. We recommend that your car’s spark plugs be replaced at 100,000 miles unless otherwise specified by your owner’s manual. Our expert technicians will ensure that the best spark plug for your vehicle’s engine is installed.