Which component of the engine is responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture?

The ignition coil plays a crucial role in the engine's operation by generating the high-voltage spark necessary to ignite the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. When the engine is in operation, the ignition coil transforms the low voltage from the battery into a much higher voltage, which is then sent to the spark plugs. These spark plugs create the actual spark that ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture, leading to combustion and, consequently, engine power.

The other components mentioned do not fulfill this ignition function. While the fuel injector is responsible for delivering the precisely measured amount of fuel into the combustion chamber, it does not create the spark for ignition. The intake manifold distributes the air-fuel mixture to the cylinders but is also not involved in the ignition process. The oil filter serves a completely different purpose, protecting the engine from contaminants in the oil, and has no role in the ignition of the air-fuel mixture. Understanding these distinct functions helps clarify why the ignition coil is essential for engine operation.