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Points, the once ubiquitous ignition system component, can cause a whole host of problems in older vehicles. While modern cars have largely transitioned to electronic ignition systems, understanding the issues points create is still relevant for classic car owners, mechanics specializing in vintage vehicles, and automotive enthusiasts. If your car still relies on this aging technology, you’re likely familiar with the headaches it can bring.

Understanding the Dreaded Points and Condenser System

Before diving into the problems, let’s quickly review what points and condenser actually do. The points, also known as contact breaker points, act as a mechanical switch, interrupting the flow of current to the ignition coil. This interruption creates a high-voltage surge that sparks the spark plugs. The condenser, a small capacitor, works in tandem with the points to suppress arcing and prolong their lifespan. Seems simple enough, right? Not so fast.

The Trouble with Points: A Mechanic’s Nightmare

Points are notoriously finicky and prone to causing a range of performance issues. Their mechanical nature makes them susceptible to wear, tear, and a whole lot of other problems.

• Poor Starting: Worn or improperly gapped points can lead to weak or intermittent sparks, making it difficult to start the engine, especially when cold.
• Rough Idling: Inconsistent sparking due to faulty points can result in a rough, uneven idle. Imagine your car shaking like it’s doing the jitterbug at a stoplight. Not fun.
• Misfiring: As points degrade, they can cause misfires, leading to a loss of power, poor fuel economy, and increased emissions. This can feel like your car is skipping a beat, literally.
• Stalling: In severe cases, malfunctioning points can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Why Do Points Cause These Problems?

Several factors contribute to the issues points create. These include:

1. Wear and Tear: Points are constantly rubbing against the distributor cam, causing them to wear down over time. This alters the point gap and affects the timing of the spark.
2. Corrosion: Exposure to moisture and other environmental factors can corrode the points, hindering their ability to conduct electricity effectively.
3. Mechanical Adjustment: Points require precise adjustment, and even a slight misalignment can significantly impact engine performance. This often necessitates frequent tune-ups.
4. Heat: The constant opening and closing of the points generates heat, which can further accelerate wear and corrosion.

What Problem Do Points Create In A Car? Inconsistent Performance

One of the most frustrating aspects of points is their inconsistency. A car might run perfectly one day and then experience starting or idling problems the next. This unpredictability makes diagnosing point-related issues particularly challenging.

Tools for Adjusting Contact Breaker Points

Diagnosing Point Problems

While modern cars use electronic diagnostic tools, diagnosing point problems often relies on a more hands-on approach. This includes:

• Visual Inspection: Checking the points for visible wear, corrosion, or pitting.
• Gap Measurement: Using a feeler gauge to ensure the point gap is within the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Dwell Angle Measurement: Using a dwell meter to measure the duration the points remain closed.

The Modern Solution: Electronic Ignition

Fortunately, advancements in automotive technology have provided a reliable solution to the problems associated with points: electronic ignition. These systems replace the mechanical points with electronic sensors and control modules, resulting in more precise timing, improved performance, and reduced maintenance.

Saying Goodbye to Points: An Upgrade Worth Considering

If you’re still driving a car with points, upgrading to an electronic ignition system is a worthwhile investment. You’ll enjoy improved reliability, performance, and fuel economy, while eliminating the hassle of frequent point adjustments and replacements.

Conclusion: What Problem Do Points Create in a Car? They’re a Headache!

In short, points create a lot of potential problems in a car, from rough idling and misfiring to stalling and difficulty starting. While they were once the standard, they are now largely outdated. Upgrading to an electronic ignition is a smart move for anyone still struggling with the woes of this aging technology. For further assistance and expert advice, feel free to reach out to us at AutoTipPro. You can call us at +1 (641) 206-8880 or visit our office at 500 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States.

FAQ

1. What are the signs of bad points in a car? Difficulty starting, rough idling, misfiring, and stalling are common indicators of faulty points.
2. How often should points be replaced? Generally, points should be inspected and potentially replaced every 10,000-12,000 miles, but this can vary depending on driving conditions and the specific vehicle.
3. Can I adjust the points myself? Yes, with the proper tools and knowledge, you can adjust points. However, it requires precision and a good understanding of the ignition system.
4. What is the advantage of electronic ignition over points? Electronic ignition provides more accurate timing, improved performance, increased fuel efficiency, and reduced maintenance compared to points.
5. Is it expensive to convert to electronic ignition? The cost of converting to electronic ignition can vary, but it is generally a relatively affordable upgrade considering the long-term benefits.
6. How do I know if my car has points? If your car was manufactured before the mid-1970s, it likely has points. You can also check the distributor cap; if you see a set of contact breaker points inside, then your car has them.
7. What is a condenser, and why is it important? The condenser is a capacitor that works with the points to suppress arcing and prevent them from burning out prematurely.