Zündspulen

Zündspulen, also known as ignition coils, are a key component of an internal combustion engine's ignition system. Their primary function is to transform the low voltage from the vehicle's battery into the high voltage necessary to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. This high voltage is then delivered to the spark plug.

The operation of a Zündspule relies on the principle of electromagnetic induction. It consists of two coils of wire, a primary coil and a secondary coil, wound around a common iron core. When the engine control unit (ECU) signals the Zündspule, it allows current to flow through the primary coil. This creates a magnetic field. When the current is suddenly interrupted, the magnetic field collapses, inducing a much higher voltage in the secondary coil. This amplified voltage is then channeled to the spark plug, creating the spark that ignites the fuel.

Modern vehicles often employ individual Zündspulen for each cylinder, replacing older distributor-based systems. This individual coil-on-plug design offers advantages such as improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and better engine performance. Diagnostic methods for Zündspulen typically involve checking for proper voltage supply, resistance values of the coils, and ensuring the spark is strong and consistent. Faulty Zündspulen can lead to misfires, rough idling, poor acceleration, and illumination of the check engine light.