What’s an Ignition Module, Anyway?
You ever pop the bonnet and stare at all those wires and boxes, thinking, “What the heck does half this stuff do?” You’re not alone, mate. One thing we see trip up heaps of folks is the ignition module. In simple terms, your ignition module (sometimes called the igniter) tells your spark plugs when to fire, so you get that bang in the engine that keeps you moving from Dinsdale to Chartwell, or out past Temple View and Te Awamutu. When it plays up, suddenly you’re stuck at the lights on Victoria Street or battling with a sluggish engine along Pukete Road. Not ideal, especially in the middle of one of those classic Hamilton downpours or when the summer heat hits your commute home to Morrinsville.
Anyway, the ignition module handles the real “make or break” business in your engine’s ignition. If it craps out, your spark plugs won’t fire right. If the sparks don’t line up with the pistons, your car isn’t starting, or you get all sorts of weird dramas. Want a bit more detail? Have a squiz here: Learn how the ignition system works >
How Can You Spot a Dodge Ignition Module?
Here in the workshop, we get all sorts rolling in – Toyota Highlanders, Hyundai i30s, Mazda Demios, even the odd Suzuki Swift Sport or a Peugeot 508 from a chap out in Cambridge. Some of the most common cars getting ignition module work are Honda CR-Vs, Nissan Tiidas, or folks bringing in their VW Jettas from out in Ngaruawahia. We’ve even had a Mitsubishi Pajero stuck after school drop-off because of a dodgy module. Women, men, it doesn’t matter – this part catches everyone now and then.
- Misfiring on the move – If your engine’s coughing or feels like it’s skipping a beat, especially taking off from a roundabout on Avalon Drive or over a Hamilton East speed bump, that’s a classic sign. Customers tell us about the car shaking, power dropping off, or hearing the odd “pop” from the exhaust. Sometimes, there’s black smoke out the back… not great in city traffic.
- Won’t start at all – Probably the most gutting is when you turn the key (or press the button on newer cars like a Kia Sorento) and just get cranking, no fire-up. That’s often the ignition module giving up, leaving you stranded. Seen plenty of these happen in the Countdown car park or after a coffee stop on Grey Street.
- Chews through fuel – Burning heaps more petrol than usual? If the fuel’s not igniting properly, she’s just blowing straight out the exhaust. That means you’re topping up sooner than you should, especially painful with Hamilton’s fuel prices.
- Check engine light comes on – That’s your engine’s way of waving a red flag. If you see it light up while heading out to Rototuna, best get it checked. Here’s more info if you want a look: Engine light diagnostics in Hamilton >
If you’re noticing any of these – don’t ignore them. Trust us, small problems just get bigger (and more expensive). Hamilton winters get damp and foggy, summers get stinkin’ hot, and either can mess with ignition systems – especially in cars that’ve done a few laps around Hillcrest’s roundabouts.
Ignition Module Replacement or Diagnostics in Hamilton
If your ride won’t start, keeps misfiring, or just feels off, bring it in. At Grimmer Motors we deal with all sorts – Japanese hatchbacks, European wagons, hybrids, utes, you name it. Our technicians have sorted ignition gear on everything from a Volvo XC60 to an old Daihatsu Sirion.
When you roll up to us, we’ll do a proper diagnostic, find out if it’s the ignition module or something else, and fit quality parts if you need them. We don’t muck around. You’ll be back on the road, whether you’re heading to Huntly, Raglan, or just off to pick up the kids in Flagstaff.
If your ignition module’s giving you headaches, don’t let it ruin your week. Get in touch with Grimmer Motors – we’ll get you sorted, quick as.