Parts for your 2017 Subaru Forester-Ignition coils

Understanding Ignition Coils on the 2017 Subaru Forester

The 2017 Subaru Forester comes equipped with ignition coils as a crucial part of its engine's ignition system. Ignition coils play a significant role in ensuring the engine runs smoothly and efficiently by transforming the battery's low voltage into the high voltage required to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders. Given their importance, understanding what ignition coils do and how to maintain or replace them as part of servicing your 2017 Subaru Forester is essential for keeping your vehicle in top shape.

Ignition coils are essentially electrical transformers. They take the 12 volts supplied by the car's battery and convert it into thousands of volts needed to create a strong spark at the spark plugs. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the engine cylinders, enabling combustion to drive the pistons and power the car. Without properly functioning ignition coils, your Forester's engine might misfire, hesitate under acceleration, or even fail to start altogether.

The 2017 Forester utilises a coil-on-plug ignition system, where each cylinder has its own individual ignition coil mounted directly above the spark plug. This design eliminates the need for traditional spark plug wires and improves ignition efficiency by reducing energy loss. It's a common setup in modern cars thanks to better performance, easier maintenance, and more precise control over the ignition timing.

From a maintenance perspective, ignition coils generally do not require regular service like oil changes or air filters do. However, they are wear-and-tear components and may develop faults over time, especially if exposed to heat, vibration, or electrical issues. Signs that the ignition coils on a 2017 Forester might need attention include engine misfires, rough idling, reduced fuel economy, or the check engine light coming on.

If the ignition coils start to fail, the vehicle could experience several drivability issues such as hesitation when accelerating, uneven engine running, or trouble starting the engine. It's not uncommon for these symptoms to be mistaken for other issues, so diagnosing ignition coil failure often requires scanning the vehicle's computer for trouble codes related to ignition misfires.

Replacing ignition coils on a 2017 Subaru Forester is relatively straightforward and is usually done one coil at a time. If your car is showing symptoms of coil failure, it's advisable to replace the faulty coils rather than attempting repairs. New ignition coils restore proper spark delivery, improve engine performance, and reduce the likelihood of damage to other engine components, like the catalytic converter.

When replacing ignition coils, it's best to use genuine Subaru parts or high-quality aftermarket coils designed specifically for the Forester's engine. Cheap or incompatible coils can cause further issues and won't offer the same reliability. A typical replacement involves removing the engine cover, disconnecting the electrical connector on the coil, unbolting the coil itself, and then installing the new unit. It's a relatively quick job, but someone unfamiliar with engine components might prefer having a qualified mechanic handle it.

In addition to addressing coil problems reactively, some owners opt for preventative maintenance if the vehicle has high mileage or has been subjected to extreme driving conditions. Regularly inspecting ignition coils for cracks, corrosion, or other damage and ensuring the electrical connections are clean and secure can help prolong their life. Good engine health goes hand in hand with well-maintained ignition components.

Overall, the ignition coils on the 2017 Subaru Forester are a vital part of the vehicle's performance and should not be overlooked. While they don't need constant maintenance, keeping an eye out for signs of wear and knowing when to replace them will keep your Forester running smoothly and efficiently for years to come. Whether cruising on the highway or tackling rugged Aussie backroads, reliable ignition coils make sure the Forester's boxer engine fires up without a hitch.