Next, let’s look at some frequently asked spark plug wire questions and answers. This friction can damage the insulation and result in voltage jumping to ground instead of reaching the spark plug. Abrasion damage - Spark plug wires frequently come into contact with other engine parts.A damaged spark plug boot can affect the spark plug’s performance, while damaged insulation can alter the current’s course. Heat damage - Engine heat can wear down the insulation, heat shield, and boots with time.With enough engine vibration, more voltage is required to fire the spark plug, damaging the ignition coil and the spark plug wire. Vibration damage - Constant engine vibration can loosen the spark plug boot connectors at the spark plug.Upon inspection, if you see any of the following, your spark plug cables need immediate replacing: If these symptoms describe your current situation, inspect the spark plug cables. Note that these symptoms can be very similar to those of a bad spark plug, so it might be worth installing a new spark plug or two at the same time. You may also see the illumination of your dashboard’s check engine light.
As such, the most common sign of a bad spark plug wire is decreased engine performance, acceleration, and fuel efficiency.Īdditionally, you may notice issues within the combustion chamber, leading to misfires and engine stalling. With time, the ignition wiring can become brittle, crack, or break altogether.įaulty spark plug wires will affect your vehicle’s combustion. Predictably, this type of high voltage load creates a lot of heat. Spark plug wires play an integral role in your car’s ignition, delivering high voltage power to the spark plugs. Next, let’s look at some telltale signs of a bad spark plug wire.
However, there are also spiral core wires for high performance applications. Most older cars use the carbon core wire as their original equipment. More modern vehicles use Coil On Plug (COP) ignition systems that don’t need spark plug wires. Spark plug wires are typically found in older vehicles using distributor based ignition systems. The high voltage in the spark plugs then creates a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s combustion chamber. It’s the job of the spark plug wires, or the ignition wire, to carry that high voltage electricity to the spark plugs. As the distributor rotor spins, the electrical current from the ignition coil moves from the rotor to the electrodes within the distributor cap in the correct sequence.
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