What is the primary purpose of the ignition coil?

The primary purpose of the ignition coil is to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. This component is crucial in an internal combustion engine as it converts the battery's 12 volts to a much higher voltage, typically between 12,000 to 45,000 volts, or even more. This high voltage is necessary to create a spark that can jump across the spark plug gap, igniting the combustible mixture of fuel and air. Once ignited, the resulting combustion drives the engine's pistons, producing power to propel the vehicle.

This function is integral to the engine's operation, as without the ignition coil, the fuel would not ignite, and the engine would not run. Understanding the role of the ignition coil helps in diagnosing issues related to engine misfires or starting problems, making it a fundamental concept in automotive repair and maintenance.