Voltage Transformation: The ignition coil acts as a step-up transformer, converting the relatively low voltage supplied by the car's battery (typically 12 volts) into several thousand volts of high voltage.
Energy Storage and Release: The coil stores electrical energy in its windings and releases it rapidly when triggered by the engine's electronic control unit (ECU). This sudden release of high voltage creates a spark at the spark plug gap.
Spark Plug Firing: The high voltage generated by the coil travels through the spark plug wires to the spark plugs. When the spark reaches the gap between the spark plug's center electrode and the ground electrode, it jumps across, creating a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber.
Overall, the ignition coil in a 2004 Fiat Punto serves as a key component in delivering high voltage electrical energy to the spark plugs, ensuring proper ignition and combustion in the engine, which enables the car to start smoothly and run efficiently.