Zündspule

Zündspule is a German term that translates to ignition coil in English. It is a crucial component in the ignition system of a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine. The primary function of the Zündspule is to transform the low voltage from the vehicle's battery into the high voltage required to create an electrical spark at the spark plug. This spark ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture within the engine's cylinders, causing combustion and propelling the vehicle.

The Zündspule operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction. It typically consists of two coils of wire, a primary coil and a secondary coil, wound around a common iron core. When the engine's control unit signals for ignition, it sends a low-voltage current to the primary coil. This current flow creates a magnetic field around the core. When the current is suddenly interrupted, the magnetic field collapses rapidly. This collapsing magnetic field induces a much higher voltage in the secondary coil, which is connected to the spark plug. This high voltage surge is then discharged as a spark across the gap of the spark plug.

Modern vehicles often employ individual Zündspulen for each cylinder, known as coil-on-plug systems, which offer improved efficiency and performance compared to older distributor-based systems that used a single coil for all cylinders. A malfunctioning Zündspule can lead to misfires, rough idling, reduced engine power, and increased fuel consumption.