{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"334: Why Do Nissan/Infiniti Coils Melt Down?","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/334-why-do-nissan-infiniti-coils-melt-down","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/809423/episodes/18491045-334-why-do-nissan-infiniti-coils-melt-down.mp3","description":"This week on the show I share an issue that I've seen on several Nissan/ Infiniti vehicles were the ignition coils repeatably melt down, causing a no start. We'll address the root cause and speculate a little on the \"why\" behind this brand specific fault. See this episode for my first discussion on secondary windings that are wired to the positive side of the electrical system. Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832Email- STmobilediag@gmail.comPlease make sure to check out our sponsors!SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/L1 Automotive Training- https://www.l1training.com/Autorescue tools- https://autorescuetools.com/     "},"annotations":[{"startTime":132.4,"endTime":135.6,"type":"term","title":"TSB","url":"/glossary/tsb","quote":"There's TSBs on some models. It's documented within Identifix as well.","canonicalId":"term:tsb","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A TSB, or Technical Service Bulletin, is a notification issued by a manufacturer to inform dealers and technicians about specific issues and recommended repairs for certain vehicle models. It often addresses common problems that may arise after a vehicle has been sold.","simplifiedExplanation":"A TSB is a notice from car manufacturers about problems with specific models. It tells mechanics how to fix these issues."}},{"startTime":155.1,"endTime":161.4,"type":"part","title":"ignition coil","url":"/glossary/ignition-coil","quote":"the little plastic coil over plug ignition coil will just, you know, go nuclear and melt down...","canonicalId":"part:ignition-coil","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An ignition coil is an electrical component in an internal combustion engine that transforms the battery's low voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark at the spark plugs, igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders.","simplifiedExplanation":"An ignition coil is a part of the engine that helps create the spark needed to start the car. It takes electricity from the battery and makes it strong enough to ignite the fuel."}},{"startTime":167.9,"endTime":173.7,"type":"term","title":"ECM","url":"/glossary/ecm","quote":"which not only supplies power to the ignition coils, but also supplies power to the ECM.","canonicalId":"term:ecm","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The ECM, or Engine Control Module, is the computer that controls various aspects of an engine's operation, including fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control. It receives input from various sensors and adjusts engine performance accordingly.","simplifiedExplanation":"The ECM is a computer in the car that helps manage how the engine works. It makes sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently."}},{"startTime":222.8,"endTime":230.74,"type":"car","title":"Infiniti M35","url":"/cars/infiniti/m35","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/2006-07_Infiniti_M35.jpg","quote":"we've seen this on a 2007 Infiniti M35, it was either G or an M35, I don't remember","canonicalId":"car:infiniti:m35","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Infiniti M35 is a luxury sedan that was part of Infiniti's M series. The 2007 model is known for its comfortable ride, powerful V6 engine, and high-quality interior.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Infiniti M35 is a luxury car that offers a smooth ride and a nice interior. It's known for being comfortable and having a strong engine.","imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":262.0,"endTime":269.3,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Versa","url":"/cars/nissan/versa","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/2017_Nissan_Versa_Note_Red_Rental.jpg","quote":"And then I also had a 2014 Nissan Versa with a 1.6 a couple of years ago with this exact same problem.","canonicalId":"car:nissan:versa","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Versa is a subcompact car known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. The 2014 model features a 1.6-liter engine and is popular among budget-conscious buyers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Versa is a small, affordable car that gets good gas mileage. The 2014 version has a 1.6-liter engine, which is pretty standard for a car of its size.","imageAttribution":"formulanone (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":315.8,"endTime":316.8,"type":"brand","title":"Infiniti","url":"/glossary/infiniti","quote":"Or maybe you have a Nissan or an Infiniti that's doing this, and it's not, you know, incredibly common on that particular application.","canonicalId":"brand:infiniti","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Nissan, offering premium sedans and SUVs with advanced technology and performance features.","simplifiedExplanation":"Infiniti is a luxury car brand that is part of Nissan, known for making high-end cars and SUVs with extra features and comfort."}},{"startTime":336.4,"endTime":336.9,"type":"term","title":"voltage drop","url":"/glossary/voltage-drop","quote":"What this is, is a excessive voltage drop to the engine block specifically, okay.","canonicalId":"term:voltage-drop","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Voltage drop refers to the reduction in voltage in an electrical circuit between the source and load, which can lead to insufficient power supply to components, such as the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"Voltage drop is when the electrical power gets weaker as it travels through wires, which can cause parts of the car to not work properly."}},{"startTime":347.7,"endTime":348.2,"type":"term","title":"battery cable","url":"/glossary/battery-cable","quote":"And it usually ends up being the cable that goes between either the negative terminal of the battery in the engine block, or in some cases it goes from the engine block","canonicalId":"term:battery-cable","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A battery cable is a conductor that connects the battery to the vehicle's electrical system, allowing power to flow from the battery to start the engine and power electrical components.","simplifiedExplanation":"A battery cable is a wire that connects the car's battery to the rest of the car, helping to provide power to start the engine and run electrical parts."}},{"startTime":363.8,"endTime":371.0,"type":"term","title":"corrosion","url":"/glossary/corrosion","quote":"And there's voltage drop usually due to corrosion, but it can be a loose connection at the engine block for the cable. But either way, the voltage drop happens.","canonicalId":"term:corrosion","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Corrosion is the process where metals deteriorate due to chemical reactions with their environment, often leading to rust or degradation. In automotive applications, corrosion can affect electrical connections and components, leading to performance issues.","simplifiedExplanation":"Corrosion is when metal parts get damaged over time because of reactions with moisture or air, often making them rusty. This can cause problems in cars, especially with electrical connections."}},{"startTime":371.0,"endTime":375.1,"type":"term","title":"engine block","url":"/glossary/engine-block","quote":"...but it can be a loose connection at the engine block for the cable. But either way, the voltage drop happens.","canonicalId":"term:engine-block","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The engine block is the main component of an internal combustion engine, housing the cylinders and other essential parts. It is crucial for the engine's operation and overall vehicle performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The engine block is the big part of the engine that holds everything together, like the cylinders where fuel burns to make the car move. It's very important for how the engine works."}},{"startTime":569.9,"endTime":569.9,"type":"car","title":"Chevy Silverado","url":"/cars/chevrolet/silverado","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/2022_Chevrolet_Silverado_1500_Z71.png","quote":"...A Chevy Silverado for a perfect example.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:silverado","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chevy Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability, towing capacity, and versatility, popular among both consumers and businesses.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevy Silverado is a big truck made by Chevrolet that is used for carrying heavy loads and is popular for work and personal use.","imageAttribution":"LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":586.3,"endTime":595.3,"type":"car","title":"GMC Sierra","url":"/cars/gmc/sierra","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ea/2019_GMC_Sierra_AT4_5.3L_V8%2C_front_12.31.19.jpg","quote":"...never seen a COP coil on a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra melt down like this...","canonicalId":"car:gmc:sierra","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck similar to the Chevy Silverado, known for its rugged performance and upscale features.","simplifiedExplanation":"The GMC Sierra is another popular truck, similar to the Chevy Silverado, but often has more luxury features. It's also used for work and personal needs.","imageAttribution":"Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":746.9,"endTime":750.8,"type":"term","title":"misfire","url":"/glossary/misfire","quote":"...they call up say, hey, you know, I've either got a misfire or it doesn't start, whatever the situation might be.","canonicalId":"term:misfire","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A misfire occurs when one or more cylinders in an engine fail to fire properly, leading to a loss of power and efficiency. This can be caused by issues with ignition components, fuel delivery, or engine timing.","simplifiedExplanation":"A misfire is when an engine doesn't work correctly, causing it to run rough or lose power. It can happen for different reasons, like problems with the spark plugs or fuel supply."}},{"startTime":846.7,"endTime":852.98,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Armada","url":"/cars/nissan/armada","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/%2705-%2707_Nissan_Armada_--_Rear.JPG","quote":"...ne model, right? Again, 07 Infinity, 14 versus 18 Armada, now all made by Nissan Infinity, but different e...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:armada","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior, powerful performance, and a strong towing capacity, making it a popular choice for families and those needing a versatile vehicle. Introduced in 2003, the Armada has undergone several updates, with the 2017 redesign bringing improved technology and comfort features. It is often discussed for its blend of luxury and utility, especially in comparison to its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Armada is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and their stuff, making it great for families or road trips. It has a strong engine and can tow heavy things like boats or trailers. People talk about it because it's a mix of being fancy and practical.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":846.7,"endTime":853.0,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Armada","url":"/cars/nissan/armada","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Display_of_the_2nd_Gen_Nissan_Armada.jpg","quote":"...14 versus 18 Armada, now all made by Nissan Infinity, but different engines, different wiring diagrams, kind of sorta.","canonicalId":"car:nissan:armada","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Infiniti Armada is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior and powerful performance. It is known for its luxury features and strong towing capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Infiniti Armada is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and has a lot of space for cargo. It's designed for comfort and can tow heavy loads.","imageAttribution":"AOL inc (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":922.0,"endTime":925.7,"type":"term","title":"transistor","url":"/glossary/transistor","quote":"...in order for the transistor in the coil to activate and actually complete the circuit.","canonicalId":"term:transistor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. In ignition coils, transistors help control the flow of electricity, allowing the ignition coil to produce a high-voltage spark when needed.","simplifiedExplanation":"A transistor is like a switch that helps control electricity in the ignition system. It helps the ignition coil create a spark to start the engine."}},{"startTime":963.2,"endTime":969.5,"type":"term","title":"engine control module","url":"/glossary/engine-control-module","quote":"Now, looking at the engine control module in all three of these vehicle applications, the engine control module is grounded to chassis.","canonicalId":"term:engine-control-module","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The engine control module (ECM) is the computer that controls various engine functions, including fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control. It processes data from various sensors to optimize engine performance and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"The engine control module is like the brain of the car's engine. It helps manage how the engine runs by controlling things like fuel and spark timing."}},{"startTime":1001.1,"endTime":1007.5,"type":"term","title":"five volt signal","url":"/glossary/five-volt-signal","quote":"The ECM appears to be activating it with a constant five volt signal on that signal wire, which causes the coil to basically turn on and flow current.","canonicalId":"term:five-volt-signal","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A five volt signal refers to a specific voltage level used in electronic circuits, particularly in automotive applications to control components like ignition coils. This voltage level is often used to trigger actions within the vehicle's electronic systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"A five volt signal is a type of electrical signal that is used to control parts of the car's engine. It's like a small command that tells the engine what to do."}},{"startTime":1012.7,"endTime":1016.4,"type":"term","title":"spark","url":"/glossary/spark","quote":"Now on this Nissan, I got it to act up and I was monitoring the signal to the coil at this point. And normally you see a five volt pulse as the computer wants the coil to spark.","canonicalId":"term:spark","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In automotive terms, a spark refers to the electrical discharge that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber. This is crucial for the engine's operation, as it initiates the combustion process that powers the vehicle.","simplifiedExplanation":"A spark is what makes the engine run. It's a small burst of electricity that ignites the fuel in the engine, allowing it to produce power."}},{"startTime":1345.7,"endTime":1351.6,"type":"part","title":"secondary winding","url":"/glossary/secondary-winding","quote":"...the secondary winding, you know, the opposite end that is not connected to the spark plug is wired up to positive...","canonicalId":"part:secondary-winding","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The secondary winding in an ignition coil is the part that generates high voltage. It consists of many more turns of wire than the primary winding, allowing it to increase the voltage significantly when the current is interrupted.","simplifiedExplanation":"The secondary winding is a part of the ignition coil that helps create a high voltage spark. It has more coils of wire than the primary winding, which helps boost the voltage needed to start the engine."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Sean Tipping","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/334-why-do-nissan-infiniti-coils-melt-down/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}