What are Kohler Ignition Coil Problems with Solutions
Kohler manufactures some of the best lawn mower equipment. Kohler’s equipment is primarily known for its optimal quality and long-lasting performance.
But sometimes, Kohler ignition coil problems may arise due to certain reasons.
The ignition problems may occur due to multiple factors, owing to which their diagnosis becomes difficult.
Some of the most prominent symptoms of ignition failure include excessive fuel consumption, diminished performance, and engine failure. However, solving these issues is not as simple as it seems. First, you must determine the root cause and then solve the problem accordingly.
If you want to learn more about Kohler ignition coil problems and how to fix them, proceed with the following context.
What is the Ignition System Used For?
The ignition system acts as a voltage converter in Kohler equipment. It takes up low voltage current from the battery and converts it to high voltage.
This high-voltage current produces an electric spark in the ignition system, which helps kickstart the spark plug.
The spark plug, in turn, drives fuel to the engine, which ultimately turns on the mower. Thus, it is evident that the ignition system indirectly plays a crucial role in starting the equipment.
The ignition coil ensures that the plug continuously receives sufficient voltage to drive fuel to the engine.
In case of a faulty ignition system, the spark plug won’t be able to carry fuel to the fuel filter.
And if the fuel does not reach the filter, the engine won’t start. Therefore, a faulty spark plug affects the equipment’s overall performance.
How to Know If the Ignition System is Faulty?
Not all engine and spark plug-related problems are caused by the ignition system. There can be multiple other ailments responsible for engine failure.
That is why, before holding the ignition system responsible for poor performance, you should check whether it is problematic or faulty.
There are two methods with which you can test the condition of an ignition system.
Multimeter Test
First, you should remove the spark plug wire so you don’t get an electric shock while testing the ignition system. Then prepare your multimeter by setting up the ohms scale.
Now connect the multimeter’s black lead with the coil’s negative terminal. And the red lead with the positive terminal. Once the setting is done, check the coil’s resistance reading.
An operational ignition coil’s resistance should be between 2.5 to 5 ohms. If the coil passes this test, you can ensure the performance of the coil by running a second test.
You can do so by checking the coil’s resistance between its negative terminal and its metal casing. This time the reading should be infinite.
However, if the coil fails any of these tests, it is evidently faulty. If the coil’s deviation from the ideal resistance is minimal, then the ignition might need a simple repair.
But if the difference is too high, you may have to change the faulty parts of the coil.
Spark Test
Another way to check the condition of the ignition coil is by taking the spark test. You will again need to remove the spark plug wire from the system.
But this time, ensure that the metal compartment of the plug is still in contact with the engine.
Now turn on the engine to make it crank. Observe whether there is a visible spark at the plug’s tip. A solid blue spark implies that the ignition system is working properly.
However, if there is no spark or a very light one, then it means that the ignition system is faulty.
This testing method is relatively riskier than the previous one. That is why you should be careful while performing it.
What are the Symptoms of Kholer Ignition Coil Problems?
If you notice some of the following ailments in your equipment, it is likely that there are issues with its ignition coil.
- No Spark in the Plug
One of the earliest symptoms of Kohler ignition coil problems is that there would be no spark in the spark plug. The ignition system delivers a high voltage current to the plug, due to which the spark is produced.
Thus, if there is a problem with the ignition coil, it won’t be able to generate high voltage current. Consequently, the spark will not be produced in the plug.
But this symptom can only be observed after you remove the spark plug wire. Checking the spark in the plug is often used as a test to check the coil’s operational status.
- Excessive Overheating
Another notable sign of a faulty ignition system is the coil’s excessive overheating. If your equipment is getting extremely hot without any reason, it might be possible that the coil is not working properly.
When there is an issue with the ignition coil, the engine overworks to draw maximum fuel from the plug. This extreme performance of the engine often leads to the equipment’s overheating.
- Sputtering in Engine
A faulty ignition coil does not deliver sufficient spark to the plug. This results in incomplete combustion of fuel. When the engine receives unburnt fuel, it may not be able to function viably.
The engine cannot aptly utilize the unburnt fuel molecules. In this situation, the engine will sputter and run roughly. This sputtering will make the mower vibrate relentlessly and diminish the equipment’s performance quality.
- Increased Fuel Consumption
The failure of the ignition system causes the spark plug to miss the combustion cycles and deliver unburnt fuel to the engine. The engine will excessively utilize this unburnt fuel to compensate for the power loss.
Furthermore, problems in the ignition system cause the engine to overwork. And when the engine works above its limit, the fuel consumption will also increase.
Therefore, if you notice that your equipment is consuming too much fuel, then it might be because of a faulty ignition coil.
- Safety Interlock System
The advanced Kohler engines have introduced a safety interlock system. This system blocks the fuel passageway. It also prevents the device from starting if it detects a problem with the equipment.
Thus, if the safety interlock system is constantly powering off the engine, then it means that there must be an issue either in the plug or ignition coil.
- Blinkering Engine Lights
You can see the light on the engine’s diagnostic board upon noticing. This light usually remains off when the engine and its counterparts are working properly.
But the light blinkers whenever an issue arises in the plug, ignition coil, or engine. The blinkering light indicates that the engine is either receiving unburnt fuel or not properly consuming it.
In this situation, you can run a diagnostic test to determine whether the faulty component is the ignition coil.
Also Read: How to Bypass the Ignition Switch On Riding Mower?
How to Fix Kohler Ignition Problems?
Since ignition problems can arise due to multiple factors, its solutions are not straightforward.
Instead, there can be numerous solutions depending on the nature of the issue. The following are some possible solutions to fix Kohler’s ignition problems.
- Change the Spark Plug
Most of the time, the problems in the ignition coil are due to a faulty spark plug. First, clean the trapped dirt from the plug and check whether it functions properly.
However, if the issue persists, then it may be possible that the spark plug is faulty or damaged.
Thus, the only viable solution, in this case, is to replace the spark plug. You can change a damaged spark plug with the below method;
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
- Disconnect the spark plug wires.
- The spark plug will be present in the cylinder head of the engine.
- Remove the damaged spark plug using a wrench.
- Now inspect the fault in the plug and check whether it is repairable.
- If not, you will need to replace the old spark plug with a new one.
- Before installing a new plug, adjusts its gaps.
- Now place the new adjusted plug in the system.
- Reattach the spark wires and test whether the plug works aptly.
- Replace the Ignition Coil
If the spark plug works fine, the problem may be due to a problematic ignition coil. You can call a technician to fix the coil if the damage is minimal. But if the problem is severe, you must replace it.
Contrary to what is presumed, replacing the ignition coil is pretty easy. Observe the following steps to change your Kohler equipment’s ignition coil;
- Switch off the engine and let the device cool.
- Remove the spark plug wire so the device does not start accidentally.
- The ignition coil will be on the opposite side of the carburetor near the flywheel.
- Next, disconnect the wires attaching the coil to the engine and carburetor.
- Using a screwdriver, dismount the faulty ignition coil.
- Remove the ignition coil carefully so the other parts are not damaged.
- Place a new ignition coil in the system.
- Re-connect the wires and install the spark plug wire back into the system.
- Now start the engine and see whether the problem is resolved.
- Resolve Wiring Issues
Another potential cause of the Kholer’s ignition coil failure is wiring issues. Check whether the spark plug, engine, and ignition coil’s wires are properly attached and in healthy condition.
The coil may be unable to increase the voltage due to underlying wiring problems. If you have viable DIY skills, you can fix the wiring issues yourself. Otherwise, calling for professional help, i.e., a mechanic, is better.
- Check the Fuel System
In some cases, there is no issue with the ignition coil or the spark plug. Instead, the problem lies in the fuel system, which is not aptly delivering fuel to the coil.
As a result, the coil would not be able to transport the voltage to the plug and, thus, the engine.
That is why check the fuel system if you cannot locate issues in the coil or plug. If the fuel filter is clogged and dirty, clean it thoroughly.
Moreover, ensure the fuel line or valve is not clogged with debris. However, if any of its components are damaged, you can replace them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a faulty ignition coil cause Kohler’s device to overheat?
The ignition coil does not directly cause the device to overheat. Instead, it puts an excessive load on the engine and makes it compensate for the coil’s performance.
As a result of this overworking, the engine causes the device to overheat.
Can a damaged spark plug cause Kohler ignition coil problems?
A damaged spark plug cannot take up sufficient voltage from the ignition coil. The plug will put overburden on the coil and will vandalize it indirectly.
What is the warranty on a Kohler ignition coil?
The warranty of Kohler devices may depend upon their models. However, the average warranty of Kohler equipment is about 1 to 3 years.
Final Verdict
Kholer ignition coil problems can retard the performance of the entire device. When the ignition coil becomes faulty, the engine overworks and misfires.
Similarly, other device components take the load to overcompensate the coil’s issues.
Therefore, you must solve these problems immediately. Otherwise, the issue will penetrate and damage the other parts of the device.
If you have DIY skills, you can repair or replace the faulty parts. But those with no prior DIY experience should consider professional help.
