How can a bad ignition coil affect engine performance in Ford vehicles?

A bad ignition coil can lead to misfires in the engine. The ignition coil is responsible for converting the battery's low voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark at the spark plugs, which ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinders. When the ignition coil is malfunctioning, it may not provide a sufficient spark or might fail to fire completely, resulting in incomplete combustion.

This misfire can cause a range of performance issues, including rough idling, decreased acceleration, and increased fuel consumption, as the engine struggles to run smoothly. Additionally, repeated misfires can lead to further engine damage over time if not addressed. Understanding this relationship is crucial for diagnosing engine performance issues in Ford vehicles, making it clear why the correct answer highlights misfires as a significant effect of a faulty ignition coil.