Spark plug wires help to transport electricity to the spark plugs. Spark plugs basically create a blaze that sparks combustion in your engine’s cylinders.
If your spark plug wires become worn out or frayed, then your engine could have a host of problems. The sooner you notice any signs of bad spark plug wires, the fewer headaches and higher repair costs you can avoid.
Below, we’ll look at typical signs of bad spark plug wires. We’ll also offer some tips if you think your spark plug wires might be bad.
Topic Summary
Signs of Bad Spark Plug Wires
Spark plug wires help to convey the electrical current from your ignition plugs and are an essential part of your ignition system.
When these spark plug wires fail, your engine will suffer. You can learn to recognize the symptoms of bad spark plug wires.
1. Engine Misfires
Engine misfires can often be the telltale sign that your spark plug wires aren’t working as they should. Suppose your engine is missing or running rough.
In that case, you might notice difficulty idling and a decrease in power when adding throttle, indicating your spark plug wires aren’t providing the engine a consistent spark.
2. Difficulty Starting the Engine
If your car won’t start or needs several tries before it does, bad spark plug wires might be the reason.
Old or damaged wires can cause the flow of electricity to stall, making it harder for your engine to turn over.
3. Reduced Fuel Efficiency
If they are in bad condition due to a faulty set of spark plug wires the engine is not burning the fuel as it should, leading to a sharp drop in miles per tank.
4. Unusual Engine Sounds
Listen for pops or crackles coming from the engine. This can be a sign that the plug wires aren’t doing their job and are releasing electrical arcs.
5. Check Engine Light
Many automobiles manufactured today have sensors to monitor the ignition system, and the check engine light on your dash will come on if the system is performing poorly.
The diagnostic scan will note if there’s a problem with the spark plug wires.
6. Visible Wear and Tear
Check for problems such as cracks or fraying or for circuit breakdowns such as corrosion in your spark plug wires. If there is any obvious physical deterioration, it’s time for some new wires.
What To Do If You Notice Bad Spark Plug Wires
If you think your spark plug wires are bad, you want to get a handle on it. First of all, visually inspect them.
If you see any visible damage or if they look frayed or worn, then it’s usually pretty easy to replace, and usually an inexpensive part, with replacement guidelines specific to your vehicle manufacturer.
Routine upkeep in this instance, checking your spark plug wires and replacing them as needed may help your engine avoid harmful, inefficient idling.
If you’re not sure about the health of your spark plug wires or how to replace them, ask for a diagnostic check-up at your local garage.
The sooner you can catch wind of these symptoms, the less likely you’ll have to contend with more serious problems and a breakdown.
How Do I Know When My Spark Plug Wires Need Replacing?
Checking and changing your spark plug wires on time is essential to ensure the engine is working properly. To know when to replace your spark plug wires, look for these warning signs.
Engine Misfires: Dirty or fouled spark plug wires can be the culprit of a rough or hesitant running street mane.
Difficulty Starting: Difficulty in cranking or extended crank times can indicate wires with many problems.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Dramatically lower gas mileage can be a sign of failing spark plug wires keeping the plugs from receiving a steady spark.
Unusual Engine Noises: Popping or crackling could signify that the wires are sparking abnormally.
Visible Damage: Look for cracks, fraying, or corrosion in the wires. If you notice any wear, it’s best to replace them altogether.
Changing or replacing the spark plug wires on a regular and timely basis can help prevent performance issues in your car.
How To Fix Bad Spark Plug Wires
A way to save money and keep your car running is to simply replace the spark plug wires when they need it. How to fix bad spark plug wires is given below:
Diagnose the Issue
Determine that the spark plug wires are the cause of the problem. Identify the symptoms, including engine misfiring, difficulty in starting, and visual signs such as exposed wires or end caps that look dissolved.
Purchase New Spark Plug Wires
Buy New Spark Get one made for your vehicle (starts/ends vehicle model and type). Quality aftermarket or OEM parts are recommended for best results.
Turn Off the Engine
Shut off the car and allow the engine to cool before beginning the replacement.
Locate the Spark Plug Wires
Locate the spark plug wires from the spark plugs to the ignition coil. Typically, one is red, one is blue, and one is green. Check your owner’s manual if you are unsure which wires match up.
Remove the Old Wires
Gently unplug each wire from the spark plug and the ignition coil. It’s important to note their positions in a sketch or take a photo for reference.
Install New Wires
Attach the new spark plug wires to the ignition coil and spark plugs the same way as the old wires.
Check Connections
Ensure all wires are securely connected and properly seated.
Run the Engine
Fire up the engine and see that the problem has now been fixed. Listen to the engine as it runs: the sound should be smooth and without unusual noises.
Inspect Regularly
Check the condition of the spark plug wires on a regular basis.
If you aren’t confident about replacing it yourself, or the problem hasn’t gone away, a mechanic may be the next step.
How Often Do Spark Plug Wires Go Bad?
Spark plug wires will last anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on how supportive the driving conditions are to them, and how hot your engine gets (more heat = more oxidation on the wires).
Whether your wires were exposed to oil and chemicals below the distributor cap on any given part of your engine or any other factors that can accelerate wear and tear on any component of your traveling powerhouse.
You should look for them earlier if your muffler starts sounding off. This is a weird tip, but it can help catch problems early. The reason is that the boss of the engine is the distributor of sparking.
However, it only has one pipe to smoke the knockout of the boxing ring. The top side sparks are longer, so the exhaust system sends them through an intermediate exit, while the shorter bottom sparks hit the muffler right away. This is why your spark plug wires for wear and tear.
Once your spark plug wires show signs of deterioration such as an engine that starts to misfire, stumble, or just seems to run rough.
If the engine has trouble dealing with a lack of fuel, is hard to start, or the battery light goes on, or just simply doesn’t provide you the same fuel economy as before then it is time to seek out a professional mechanic to look closely at your engine.
It should go without saying that you shouldn’t allow yourself to get stranded by traveling a thousand miles with bad plug wires. Proactivity and replacement will help you save money on other engine breakdowns later on.
FAQs on Signs of Bad Spark Plug Wires
How Often Should Spark Plug Wires Be Replaced?
It depends on the car, but replacement of spark plug wires is typically required every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Consult your vehicle’s handbook for its precise recommendation.
What Causes Spark Plug Wires To Go Bad?
Typical culprits are heat and vibration from the engine, exposure to oil and chemicals, and enough general wear that the lines eventually fail.
Can Bad Spark Plug Wires Cause Engine Damage?
Yes, due to bad spark plug wires, which cause the engine to misfire, often driving down the power of the engine and wasting a lot of fuel which could also damage the engine if it is not diagnosed and corrected.
How Can I Test Spark Plug Wires?
For example, you can check for continuity with a multimeter or, if you have a good set of wire and distributor caps, visually examine the wires for obvious damage. Alternatively, you can use an ignition system diagnostic tool to test the wires more accurately.
Can I Drive With Bad Spark Plug Wires?
Sure enough, you still may get by with bad spark plug wires. Perhaps your engine won’t be as efficient or fair-trade as it can be (email me about the mechanics, please, I have no idea), but you’ll probably get from A to B with only a few extra pennies in your tank at the end of the journey. However, it’s much better if and whenever you can replace them to prevent bigger problems later on.
Conclusion
You need to replace spark plug wires as needed since replacing them in a timely manner on schedule will ensure the proper functioning of your motor and also the economy that comes with an engine that performs normally.
Do periodic checks, and values between 60,000 and 100,000 miles should be enough before considering a replacement.
Misfires, starting problems, and even reduced fuel economy may arise if you let these units deteriorate without addressing damage or wear that you can identify.
Spark plug wires in proper condition will guarantee the way that you deserve to feel when you’re driving.