Parts for your 2021 Mitsubishi Asx-Ignition leads

Ignition Leads on the 2021 Mitsubishi ASX: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2021 Mitsubishi ASX, one important detail car owners often wonder about is whether ignition leads are a component they need to keep an eye on. The straightforward answer is that ignition leads are not used on the 2021 Mitsubishi ASX. This is mainly due to the fact that modern vehicles, including this model, utilise a more advanced ignition system that no longer requires traditional ignition leads.

Ignition leads, sometimes called spark plug wires, were a common component in older cars. These wires deliver high-voltage electricity from the ignition coil to the spark plugs, ensuring the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the engine cylinders. However, in recent years, many manufacturers, including Mitsubishi, have moved away from using these leads to simplify ignition systems and increase reliability.

The 2021 Mitsubishi ASX features a coil-on-plug ignition system. This means each spark plug has its own individual ignition coil mounted directly on top of it. By doing so, it eliminates the need for ignition leads entirely. This design not only reduces the number of parts but also results in a more reliable and efficient ignition system. Without ignition leads that can wear or fail, the ASX benefits from improved performance, easier maintenance, and fewer mechanical issues over time.

So, why exactly is the coil-on-plug system a better choice than the traditional ignition leads setup?

• Less energy loss: High voltage travels directly from the coil to the spark plug without passing through wires that could degrade or leak electricity.
• Fewer failure points: Ignition leads can become brittle, crack, or develop resistance, which can impact engine performance. Removing them means fewer parts to break or maintain.
• Improved ignition timing and precision: Coil-on-plug setups enable better control over spark timing and intensity, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
• Reduced maintenance: With fewer components, the likelihood of ignition-related faults drops significantly, making the owner's life much easier.

Because the 2021 Mitsubishi ASX does not use ignition leads, drivers do not need to worry about the traditional maintenance or replacement routines associated with spark plug wires. This makes one part of the vehicle's servicing a bit simpler and less costly. It's one less thing to inspect during regular tune-ups or repairs.

That doesn't mean the ignition system is completely maintenance-free. The coil-on-plug system does require attention, but it usually lasts much longer than ignition leads. Typically, coils will continue functioning reliably well past 100,000 kilometres. If a coil ever fails, it can usually be identified through engine misfires, rough idling, or a noticeable drop in power. Replacing a faulty coil is generally straightforward and less frequent compared to swapping out ignition leads on older vehicles.

Owners of the 2021 Mitsubishi ASX should still focus on routine servicing of the ignition system, which mainly involves checking and replacing spark plugs as needed. Spark plugs tend to have wear lives around 80,000 to 100,000 kilometres, depending on the type fitted and driving conditions. Maintaining healthy spark plugs is essential to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently.

Some tips for keeping the ASX's ignition system in top shape include:

1. Stick to the manufacturer's recommended servicing schedule for spark plug changes to prevent costly ignition issues down the track.
2. Keep an eye on any warning lights or changes in engine behaviour that might indicate ignition coil issues.
3. If the engine misfires or runs rough, have a professional diagnose whether it's spark plugs, ignition coils, or another part of the system.
4. Ensure electrical connectors around the ignition coils are secure and free from corrosion or damage.

The move away from ignition leads to coil-on-plug systems represents a big leap forward for vehicles like the Mitsubishi ASX. It means fewer parts that wear out quickly, improved fuel savings, and more reliable starting and running. For anyone servicing their 2021 Mitsubishi ASX, the good news is simple: no ignition leads to check, replace or maintain. Instead, just keep the spark plugs healthy and the coils monitored as part of the usual service schedule, and the ASX's ignition system will keep firing on all cylinders for thousands of kilometres to come.