Parts for your 2017 Subaru Legacy-Ignition coils

Ignition Coils on the 2017 Subaru Legacy: What You Need to Know

The 2017 Subaru Legacy, like many modern vehicles, absolutely uses ignition coils as a critical part of its engine management system. Ignition coils play an essential role in the process of starting the vehicle and maintaining smooth running while on the road. So if you want to understand how these components work and why keeping them in good nick is important for your Subaru Legacy, this is a good place to start.

At its core, an ignition coil is a little electronic transformer that takes the 12-volt power from your car's battery and turns it into the high voltage needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the engine's cylinders. Without ignition coils, your spark plugs couldn't fire properly, and your engine wouldn't run efficiently or perhaps at all.

The 2017 Subaru Legacy typically uses one ignition coil per cylinder, especially in its four-cylinder engines, which is most common for this model. This design means each cylinder gets its own dedicated coil to deliver a precise and powerful spark exactly when it's needed. This setup is sometimes called "coil-on-plug" because the coil sits directly on top of the spark plug, eliminating the need for spark plug wires and reducing energy loss.

One of the benefits of having individual ignition coils is improved reliability and performance. If one coil fails, it only affects one cylinder instead of knocking out the entire ignition system. However, this also means it's important to keep a close eye on their condition as your car ages.

Replacing or maintaining ignition coils on a 2017 Subaru Legacy is pretty straightforward and an important part of servicing to keep your vehicle running well. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to ignition coil upkeep for this vehicle:

• Signs of a failing ignition coil include rough idling, engine misfires, poor fuel economy, or difficulty starting the car. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's worth having the coils checked.
• The coils are generally quite durable, but they can wear out over time due to heat exposure and vibration from the engine. Most ignition coils last well over 100,000 kilometres, but this can vary based on driving conditions and maintenance history.
• When replacing ignition coils on the 2017 Subaru Legacy, it's best to use high-quality OEM parts or equivalent aftermarket coils designed specifically for Subaru engines to ensure proper fit and performance.
• Replacing a faulty coil can be done at a workshop or by DIY enthusiasts familiar with engine work. It involves removing the engine cover, unplugging the old coil, unscrewing it, and swapping it out. But as always, if you're unsure, a mechanic's help is a good call.
• It's also a good idea to inspect the spark plugs when servicing ignition coils. Worn or fouled spark plugs can put extra strain on the coils and cause premature failure.

Routine servicing that includes checking ignition coils helps avoid unexpected breakdowns and keeps your Subaru Legacy running smoothly and efficiently. Subaru vehicles tend to have pretty good reliability, but neglecting components like ignition coils can lead to unique driving issues that may not be obvious until you hit the road.

Keeping an eye on your engine's performance and addressing ignition coil issues early can save time and money. Regular vehicle check-ups by a trusted mechanic or dealership service centre will usually incorporate coil inspections as part of their comprehensive engine tune-up.

All up, ignition coils are a vital component in the 2017 Subaru Legacy's engine system. They're what allow your spark plugs to ignite the fuel correctly, keeping your vehicle responsive and efficient. Treat them right, replace any that show signs of wear or damage, and your Legacy will thank you with many happy kilometres.