At Higley Family Auto Care in Gilbert, AZ 85295, with over 60 years of combined experience, we specialize in the diagnosis and repair of ignition systems in today's high-tech cars, trucks, and SUVs. Ignition system diagnosis and repair involve identifying and fixing issues related to the components that start your engine, including spark plugs, ignition coils, and the ignition control module. For our customers, this means ensuring your vehicle starts reliably and runs smoothly, preventing potential breakdowns and maintaining optimal performance. Trust our ASE advanced Auto Technicians to keep your vehicle's ignition system in top condition.

Spark plugs are critical for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine. Over time, they can become fouled or worn, leading to misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and poor engine performance. Regularly replacing spark plugs ensures smooth engine operation, better fuel economy, and reduced emissions.

Ignition coils convert the battery's voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark. A faulty ignition coil can cause engine misfires, rough idling, and difficulty starting. Replacing a failing coil can restore proper engine performance and prevent potential damage to the catalytic converter.

For vehicles with a distributor-based ignition system, the distributor cap and rotor distribute the high voltage from the coil to the spark plugs. Wear and tear can lead to misfires and starting issues. Servicing these components ensures consistent spark delivery, maintaining engine reliability and performance.

The ignition control module manages the timing of the spark, ensuring it occurs at the right moment for optimal combustion. A malfunctioning module can cause engine stalling, misfires, and poor performance. Replacing the faulty module restores proper engine function and prevents further damage.

The crankshaft position sensor monitors the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft, providing critical data to the engine control unit for timing adjustments. A failing sensor can lead to starting issues, engine stalling, and poor performance. Replacing the sensor ensures accurate engine timing and smooth operation.

Related Repairs or Services:

Ignition Wire Replacement: Ignition wires transmit the spark from the distributor or ignition coil to the spark plugs. Worn or damaged wires can lead to misfires and reduced engine performance. Replacing them ensures a strong, consistent spark and optimal engine operation.

Fuel Injector Cleaning: Dirty fuel injectors can lead to poor fuel atomization, affecting combustion efficiency. Cleaning injectors ensures proper fuel delivery, complementing the new spark plugs for improved performance and fuel economy.

Related Repairs or Services:

Battery Check and Replacement: A weak or failing battery can affect the performance of the ignition coil. Ensuring the battery is in good condition helps maintain proper voltage supply, enhancing ignition coil performance.

Engine Control Unit (ECU) Inspection: The ECU controls the ignition timing. Faulty ECU connections or software issues can affect ignition coil performance. Inspecting the ECU ensures reliable ignition system operation.

Related Repairs or Services:

Timing Belt/Chain Inspection: The timing belt/chain synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. A worn or damaged belt/chain can affect distributor timing. Regular inspection ensures accurate ignition timing and prevents engine damage.

Vacuum Advance Unit Check: In vehicles with a vacuum advance distributor, a faulty unit can affect timing advance. Ensuring the vacuum advance unit is functional maintains optimal ignition timing and engine performance.

Related Repairs or Services:

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Check: The TPS monitors throttle position and sends data to the ECU for ignition timing adjustments. A faulty TPS can affect ignition control. Checking the TPS ensures accurate timing and smooth engine performance.

Ground Wire Inspection: The ignition control module relies on a proper ground connection. Corroded or loose ground wires can cause intermittent issues. Inspecting and securing ground wires ensures reliable module operation.

Related Repairs or Services:

Camshaft Position Sensor Check: The camshaft position sensor works in tandem with the crankshaft position sensor for precise timing. A failing camshaft sensor can affect engine synchronization. Checking it ensures accurate timing and smooth operation.

Timing Belt/Chain Replacement: A worn timing belt/chain can lead to misalignment of the crankshaft position sensor. Replacing it ensures proper sensor alignment and accurate engine timing.

Warning Symptoms:

Engine Misfires: Noticeable as a sudden loss of power or a rough engine feel.

Poor Fuel Economy: Increased fuel consumption due to inefficient combustion.

Hard Starting: Difficulty starting the engine, especially in cold weather.

Rough Idling: Uneven or shaky engine performance at idle.

Warning Symptoms:

Engine Misfires: Especially under load or during acceleration.

Check Engine Light: The light may illuminate due to misfire codes.

Poor Acceleration: Noticeable lack of power when accelerating.

Rough Idling: Uneven or stuttering engine performance at idle.

Warning Symptoms:

Engine Misfires: Inconsistent engine firing leading to loss of power.

Difficulty Starting: Particularly in wet or humid conditions.

Rough Idling: Unsteady engine operation when idling.

Engine Stalling: Sudden engine shutdowns while driving.

Warning Symptoms:

Engine Stalling: Sudden loss of power while driving.

No Start Condition: Engine cranks but does not start.

Intermittent Misfires: Irregular misfiring during operation.

Poor Performance: General lack of power and responsiveness.

Warning Symptoms:

No Start Condition: Engine may crank but fails to start.

Engine Stalling: Unexpected engine shutdown while driving.

Check Engine Light: Light may illuminate due to sensor-related codes.

Poor Acceleration: Noticeable lag or hesitation during acceleration.

Toyota Camry (2010-2020)

Known for reliability but regular ignition system maintenance ensures continued performance and longevity.

Honda Accord (2010-2020)

Regular ignition system service helps maintain its smooth operation and fuel efficiency.

Ford F-150 (2009-2019)

With high mileage usage, ignition system maintenance is crucial for reliable performance and towing capacity.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2010-2020)

Regular ignition system checks help maintain its power and reliability, especially for heavy-duty tasks.

Nissan Altima (2010-2020)

Ensuring proper ignition system function can prevent common issues like rough idling and misfires.

Hyundai Sonata (2011-2020)

Regular ignition maintenance helps maintain its fuel efficiency and smooth driving experience.

Subaru Outback (2010-2020)

Benefiting from ignition system service to ensure reliable performance in varying weather conditions.

Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011-2020)

Regular ignition system maintenance is key for off-road reliability and performance.

Chevrolet Equinox (2010-2020)

Ignition system upkeep ensures dependable performance and reduces the risk of breakdowns.

Mazda CX-5 (2012-2020)

Regular service of the ignition system maintains its sporty performance and fuel efficiency.

Delaying or neglecting ignition system repairs can lead to higher repair costs down the line.

Engine Damage: Misfires and poor ignition can cause damage to the catalytic converter and engine components, resulting in expensive repairs.

Increased Fuel Consumption: Faulty ignition components can reduce fuel efficiency, leading to higher fuel costs over time.

Breakdowns: Ignoring ignition issues can result in unexpected breakdowns, necessitating costly towing and emergency repairs.

Maintaining a properly functioning ignition system is crucial for safe vehicle operation.

Engine Stalling: Faulty ignition components can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in traffic.

Loss of Power: Misfires and ignition problems can lead to sudden loss of power, compromising the ability to accelerate and maneuver safely.

Starting Issues: Difficulty starting the engine can leave drivers stranded in potentially unsafe locations.

Neglecting ignition system repairs can have negative effects on the environment.

Increased Emissions: Faulty ignition components can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in higher emissions of harmful pollutants.

Catalytic Converter Damage: Misfires can cause unburned fuel to enter the exhaust system, damaging the catalytic converter and increasing emissions.

Poor Fuel Efficiency: Inefficient combustion from ignition issues leads to higher fuel consumption, contributing to increased carbon footprint.