Ignition leads
The spark plug cables, also called HT leads, ignition coils, spark plug wires or high tension leads in your car are located between
the ignition coil and the spark plugs . Spark plug cables ensure that a
connection between these car parts is made. From the ignition coil current is
transferred to the spark plugs, which generates a spark to ignite the fuel in
the engine. Your spark plugs need enough current to generate a spark. The
ignition coil supplies the current to do this. The current is routed to the
spark plugs via the HT leads. If the ignition lead doesn?t function properly,
the engine may start to run irregular or may fail to start at all.
Symptoms
failing HT leads High voltage is going through the spark plug
cables. Due to the high use, spark plug wires can wear out over time. The HT
leads will then give more and more resistance. This makes the spark less likely
to reach the spark plug. So, it is possible that the HT lead will fail over
time, for example, the insulation material can dry out, melt, crack and even
burst. Current leaking away can also occur between the spark plug cable and the
spark plugs themselves. A broken ignition lead can be recognized by a number of
symptoms, such as:
Decrease in power; Decrease in acceleration; Irregular running engine; Engine misses strokes at
high speed; Misfiring of your engine; No or irregular ignition; Decrease in fuel efficiency
and an increase in fuel consumption; Electronic equipment and car
radio failure; Engine light on the
dashboard is on; Recognise any of these symptoms? Please perform a
visual inspection of the high tension leads. During a visual inspection, please
lookout for a couple of things. First of all, check your spark plug wires for
visual damage. You can also measure the cables or have them measured with a gauge at your local garage.
Replace
Ignition leads The good news is that you can easily replace the spark
plug wires yourself. Start with locating the HT leads. Most likely is that the
spark plug wires are under the bonnet , attached with one end to the spark plugs
and with the other end to a distributor or the ignition coil. You can now also
easily see how many cables you need. It is best to replace the complete spark
plug wiring as a set. In general, the spark plug cables wear simultaneously. A
combination of different types of cables is not recommended. Furthermore, make
sure you purchase the correct length. It is possible that the lengths of spark
plug wires differ between manufacturers. This is a little trick they apply to
make sure that their products are applicable to different makes and models. Purchase
a spark plug cable set that best matches the length of your current spark plug
cable wires. This way you´re sort of guaranteed of a good fit.
While replacing the spark ignition, please ensure that
your engine is switched off and has cooled down. Tip: note all the lengths and
the location of the cables. It is important that the new cables are in the
right location. Then replace the cables one by one. Be careful when
disconnecting the cables though. Pull gently on the rubber end of the cable. If
you pull on the cable itself, you can ruin the cable entirely. After removing
the cables, please attach the new spark plug cables one by one.
Buying
HT leads You can buy HT leads quickly and easily using your
number plate. Enter your number plate and the suitable products for your car
are displayed. Are you looking for other parts for the ignition system of your
car? At Winparts you will also find crankshaft sensors , camshaft sensors , glow plugs and relays .
