Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Asx-Ignition leads

Ignition Leads and the 2018 Mitsubishi ASX: What You Need to Know

The 2018 Mitsubishi ASX is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability and efficient performance. When it comes to the ignition system of this vehicle, many drivers or DIY maintenance enthusiasts often wonder about the role of ignition leads, and whether this part is even relevant or used at all in modern engines like the one in the ASX.

Ignition leads, also called spark plug wires, have been a common component in older petrol engines. Their job is pretty straightforward: they carry the high-voltage electricity from the ignition coil or distributor to the spark plugs. That spark is what ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the cylinders, allowing the engine to run smoothly. Without ignition leads doing their job correctly, drivers might experience issues such as poor engine performance, misfires, or even trouble starting the vehicle.

However, when it comes to newer vehicles, including the 2018 Mitsubishi ASX, the situation is a bit different. The ASX's engine, especially the 2.0-litre MIVEC petrol variant, employs a modern ignition system that largely replaces traditional ignition leads with ignition coils mounted directly on top of each spark plug. This setup is known as a coil-on-plug system.

Why does the 2018 Mitsubishi ASX not use conventional ignition leads?

• The coil-on-plug design simplifies the ignition system by eliminating the need for separate wires between the ignition coil and the spark plugs.
• This design improves reliability since ignition leads are known to degrade over time due to heat, vibration, and exposure to contaminants like oil or water.
• With coils directly on the plugs, the electrical path is shorter, meaning there's less chance of power loss or interference, resulting in better spark quality and improved fuel efficiency.
• Maintenance is easier because there are fewer parts to worry about, and diagnosing ignition issues is often done through coil testing rather than inspecting wires.

In short, the ignition leads are not relevant or used in the 2018 Mitsubishi ASX. Instead, the vehicle uses an advanced coil-on-plug ignition system. This is a common trend across many vehicle manufacturers adopting more robust and low-maintenance components that help keep the engine running well longer.

For owners who might still be curious about ignition leads in general, their purpose and maintenance are worth discussing, especially for enthusiasts or those working on older cars that still use them. Understanding how ignition leads work and when to replace them can help keep an engine firing correctly and perform smoothly.

Ignition leads are essentially heavy-duty cables insulated to handle very high voltage. When the ignition coil generates a high voltage pulse, it travels through the ignition lead to the spark plug, which then ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Since these cables operate under harsh conditions in the engine bay, they are designed to resist heat, oil contamination, and vibration.

Over time, ignition leads can deteriorate. The insulation may crack or become brittle, causing voltage leaks or weak sparks that result in rough idling, misfires, or poor fuel economy. Moisture and dirt can also cause electrical leakage paths. That's why replacing ignition leads at appropriate intervals or when signs of wear appear is recommended for vehicles that still have them.

It's best practice to inspect ignition leads during routine servicing. Some key signs that ignition leads might need replacement include:

• Visible cracks or damage to the insulation
• Corrosion or wear on the metal connectors
• Engine misfires or hesitation during acceleration
• Reduced fuel efficiency or rough engine running

A mechanic might also perform an electrical resistance test to measure if the leads still conduct well. If resistance is too high, it can inhibit a firm spark, causing the engine to underperform.

If it's time to replace ignition leads, it's important to use the correct type and quality specified for the vehicle. Using substandard or incorrect leads can lead to other problems, including poor engine performance and possible damage to other ignition components.

While it might be tempting to replace ignition leads yourself, for those unfamiliar with engine wiring and ignition systems, professional service is a good option. Incorrect installation or using non-spec components can lead to impedance issues and further engine troubles.

For the 2018 Mitsubishi ASX owners, however, worrying about ignition leads is unnecessary. The coil-on-plug system this vehicle employs is designed to be low maintenance and more reliable over the lifetime of the vehicle. Regular servicing still includes checks on the ignition system, but instead of ignition leads, technicians might inspect and test the ignition coils and spark plugs, which remain critical for optimum performance.

In essence, the move away from ignition leads to coil-on-plug ignition systems is part of a broader automotive trend aimed at improving reliability, reducing maintenance, and enhancing engine efficiency. So if you are looking to service the ignition system of your 2018 Mitsubishi ASX, focus on spark plugs and ignition coils rather than worrying about ignition leads that simply aren't used.