When you decide to purchase a BMW, there is no doubt that you are making an investment in a superior vehicle. They are not only visually pleasing, but they are also highly functional. All the models are designed with sleek exteriors and matching interiors. The thrill of driving your new BMW will leave you exhilarated and delighted.
BMWs are also great family cars due to their high safety ratings in addition to their performance and design. When you purchased your BMW, you likely considered all of these factors; however, as your car ages, you have begun to notice some maintenance issues. A problem with the ignition module is one of the possible issues you may encounter. You will need to be aware of the symptoms that indicate your BMW needs an ignition module replacement in order to determine if it requires one.
How Does The Ignition Module Work?
An ignition module is a component that is responsible for turning on and off the ignition coil inside the ignition. A signal is sent to the ignition module when the car key is inserted and turned into the ignition, which then sends a spark to the coil so that the car can begin to run. It is not possible for the ignition coil to turn on without the ignition module.
Considering the ignition module as a switch is a simpler way to understand it. The vehicle will turn on when the switch is flipped. If the switch is flipped the other way, it will turn off the vehicle. Having a malfunctioning ignition module will prevent the vehicle from starting.
Warning Signs Of A Malfunctioning Ignition Module
A malfunctioning ignition control module can lead to the following troublesome symptoms since it plays such a critical role in the functioning of your BMW engine:
Misfiring And Difficulty Starting The Engine
When an engine fails to perform properly, such as misfiring, drivers are inconvenienced and extremely concerned. A malfunctioning ignition control module usually shows this as a first sign.
Hesitation And Reduced Power
A BMW with diminished power and/or hesitation upon acceleration may be experiencing various problems; however, the ignition control module cannot adjust its engine’s timing appropriately to ensure maximum acceleration, which may result in power and acceleration issues.
Increased Fuel Consumption
Your BMW’s gas mileage will suffer first if its engine doesn’t run efficiently. In the event that your ignition control module malfunctions, your engine can’t burn fuel optimally due to the engine timing being off, eventually resulting in wasted fuel.
Engine Stalling
The failure of the ignition control module can also lead to engine stalling along with misfiring and power loss. In the case of a faulty control module, faulty timing interrupts the ignition and combustion processes.
Reasons Why The Ignition Module May Fail
Electrical failures and engine overheating are two of the most common causes of ignition module failure. Let’s examine these culprits in more detail.
Electrical Failures
As an electrical component, the ignition module is very susceptible to failures in its electronic components. There are various factors that can cause the ignition module to not receive and relay data from the ECU, including loose or damaged electrical connections, damaged wiring, and contact faults.
Overheating Of The Engine
It is also possible for your ignition module to be critically damaged by overheating. It should be noted that the ignition module is located on top of the engine. Although insulated from the high temperatures produced by your engine, it is susceptible to overheating and becoming damaged if the engine spikes in temperature or overheats itself. Overheating can cause delicate electrical components within the unit to become completely damaged, preventing the part from functioning properly.
Iconic Performance: The BMW experts in Alpharetta
With years of experience working on BMWs in Alpharetta, GA, and its surrounding areas, Iconic Performance has helped BMW drivers throughout the area. With decades of experience working on BMWs, our mechanics are able to identify problems in the ignition module and the ignition system as a whole. To determine whether there is even the slightest developing issue, we will perform a comprehensive diagnostic test using the latest equipment.
Should your BMW’s ignition module need to be replaced, we can ensure that the problem is resolved before it spreads to other parts of the ignition system. We can get your BMW’s performance back up to par. Besides offering complete BMW preventative maintenance, our shop also follows your model’s specific service plan at a fraction of the dealership’s price.
Iconic Performance offers services and ignition module repairs in Alpharetta and surrounding areas like Buford, Duluth, John Creek, Sugar Hill, and Suwanee, GA. Please contact or visit us today if you’d like to schedule an appointment.