Ignition and glow plug systems

What ignition system components can you buy at Biltema?

Below are some examples of ignition system components for your car that you can buy at Biltema.

• Ignition coils.
  To create a spark strong enough to ignite the fuel in the engine, the ignition coil converts the car’s 12V into an ignition voltage of 30,000V-50,000V. Modern cars often have one ignition coil per spark plug.
• Distributor cap
  In cars with an ignition coil, the coil is connected to the distributor cap together with the engine’s spark plug wires.
• Rotors.
  When the rotor rotates in the distributor cap, the ignition voltage is transferred at the right time to the respective ignition cable.
• Ignition cables.
  The ignition cables transfer the ignition voltage from the distributor cap to the spark plugs.
• Spark plugs.
  In the spark plugs, the ignition voltage is converted into sparks that ignite the fuel mixture.
• Controllers.
  Controllers replace contact breakers in electronic ignition systems.
• Glow plugs.
  Diesel engines do not have an electric ignition system, so the fuel is ignited by high temperature at high compression. In cold weather, the engine’s combustion chamber needs to be preheated, which is the task of the glow plugs.

Common reasons for replacing ignition system components

Malfunction of the ignition system results in reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, and wears out the engine.
Common faults to misfires or ignition failures include:

• Crack in the distributor cap – check the distributor cap internally and externally for cracks, which often look like black streaks. Also check that the distributor cap’s inner centre pin is not damaged or loose.
• Damaged ignition cable – check whether the cables are cracked or chafed, or whether the connector plate is damaged.
• Damaged or worn spark plugs – check the spark plugs for any cracks in the ceramics. Spark plugs have a different service life depending on the type, but it is usually fuel-economical to change the plugs well in advance of the end of the service life.
  When replacing, check and, if necessary, adjust the electrode distance according to the car’s manual.