Parts for your 2016 Subaru Forester-Ignition leads

Ignition Leads and the 2016 Subaru Forester

When it comes to the 2016 Subaru Forester, you won't find traditional ignition leads fitted under the bonnet. These vehicles use a modern ignition system known as coil-on-plug technology, which means each spark plug has its own ignition coil mounted directly on top. Because of this design, the usual ignition leads, sometimes called spark plug wires, are not relevant or used in this model.

Ignition leads were a common feature in older cars where a distributor sent high voltage to various spark plugs through thick rubber-insulated wires. These leads were responsible for carrying the electrical charge needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside each engine cylinder. In older engines, ignition leads needed to be replaced regularly because they could wear out, suffer from internal damage, or become cracked leading to misfires, rough running, or poor fuel economy.

However, the 2016 Subaru Forester features a more efficient and reliable setup by having individual ignition coils placed directly above each spark plug. This system eliminates the need for spark plug wires or ignition leads altogether. By removing these wires, Subaru improved engine performance and reliability while reducing maintenance points for owners. There is less resistance and energy loss from the ignition coil to the spark plug because the connection is direct. This setup also helps reduce the chance of ignition faults caused by ageing or damaged wires, which often affected older cars.

While the 2016 Forester bypasses ignition leads entirely, it still relies heavily on the ignition coils and spark plugs themselves. These components are essential for maintaining optimal engine performance. The ignition coils convert the car battery's low voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark at the spark plug tip. The spark plug then creates the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber, which is vital to getting the engine running smoothly.

If a coil or spark plug becomes faulty, the Forester might experience misfires, loss of power, rough idling, or an illuminated check engine light. Therefore, while you don't have to worry about ignition leads, monitoring and maintaining the ignition coils and spark plugs is very important.

During routine servicing of a 2016 Subaru Forester, mechanics will typically check the condition of the ignition coils and spark plugs. Spark plugs may need replacing at recommended intervals, often around every 100,000 kilometres for Subaru's standard iridium spark plugs. Faulty coils can sometimes be identified during diagnostics or through symptoms like engine hesitation, rough running, or failed emissions tests.

Replacing ignition coils is a straightforward job thanks to the coil-on-plug design. Each coil is bolted directly on the cylinder head and can be swapped out individually. Subaru designs these parts to be durable but like any component, coils can wear out after years of thermal cycling and vibrations.

Ignoring faulty ignition coils or spark plugs can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and increased emissions, so it pays to stay on top of these parts as part of your regular vehicle maintenance. Good ignition improves combustion efficiency making your Forester run smoother, perform better, and often save fuel over time.

One benefit for Forester owners today is the reduced maintenance hassle compared to older cars that required ignition lead replacement. Drivers don't need to worry about cracking or arcing from old ignition wires, which used to be a common problem especially in Australian conditions with heat and dust. Instead, the coil-on-plug system is generally more reliable and less prone to issues.

So while the term ignition leads technically doesn't apply to the 2016 Subaru Forester, understanding the ignition system remains important. Maintaining healthy spark plugs and coils keeps the engine firing efficiently and vehicles running happily. Regular servicing, as laid out in Subaru's maintenance schedule, will ensure your Forester continues to deliver the reliable and smooth driving experience Subaru is known for.