Ignition coil replacement

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Dec 10, 2010 | 03:14 AM

Bobothree

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 23

Likes: 1

Ignition coil replacement

I have a DTC PCM fault code P0300, engine misfire and hestitation and sluggishness at start and low speed operation. The spark plug on the second cylinder on the drivers side is burnt at the ignition coil, plus there is junk in the spark plug connector and that tells me it is probably from the coil itself. The #2 coil and the spark plug wire obviously need replacement. However, the real question is, although the other coils and wires on the drivers side of the engine look fine, they arc periodically, not as often as cylinder #2, but they arc.

Could the arcing of one cylinder cause arcing of others?

Do all need replacement or just #2? I want to avoid buying three additional coils if it is not necessary.

Is it also more possible there is an underlying cause I should be looking for that will cause replacement parts to burn up too?

Also the official shop manuals show the coil rack, with all four coils coming off in mass. Can you just remove one?

All comments and suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

Last edited by Bobothree; Dec 10, 2010 at 03:24 AM.

Dec 10, 2010 | 09:11 AM

dougbfresh

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 6,993

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If it was just cylinder 2, you should get a P0302 on a handheld scanner (the dic will NOT show this code).

Dec 10, 2010 | 09:34 AM

lucky131969

Tech Contributor

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 19,465

Likes: 1,166

From: Dyer, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobothree

Doubtful. What you probably have, is a damaged spark plug wire, that has either been loose or split, allowing moisture in, or a gap. In either case, this will be a high resistance connection, and will cause the coil side receptacle to corrode(which can be cleaned up). An arcing wire can cause a spark discharge at many different points from the coil bracket to the valve cover. Remove the coil. Clean the coil receptacle, and replace all wires. Then re-evaluate.

Last edited by lucky131969; Dec 10, 2010 at 09:39 AM.

Dec 10, 2010 | 10:21 AM

manley845

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 1,189

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From: Freeport, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky131969

Doubtful. Remove the coil. Clean the coil receptacle, and replace all wires. Then re-evaluate.

Also:
"A P0300 diagnostic code indicates a random or multiple misfire. If the last digit is a number other than zero, it corresponds to the cylinder number that is misfiring. A P0302 code, for example, would tell you cylinder number two is misfiring. Unfortunately, a P0300 doesn't tell you specifically which cylinder(s) is/are mis-firing, nor why."

Basically, try replacing the wires first and re-evaluate as stated above.

Good luck

Dec 10, 2010 | 10:22 AM

dgrant3830

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 10,962

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From: Van Buren Arkansas

Wounded Warrior Escort '11

I agree totally. While you are doing what Lucky suggests, also check the ground wire on the rear of the driver's side head and insure its tight. Its the grounds for all of the coil packs.

Dec 10, 2010 | 11:53 AM

Bobothree

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 23

Likes: 1

Thanks. Great response. Will do.

Dec 10, 2010 | 11:55 AM

Bobothree

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 23

Likes: 1

Thanks. Will do. Great advice.

Dec 10, 2010 | 12:17 PM

LoneStarFRC

Team Owner

Joined: May 2001

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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16

Good advice being given to you here.

Btw, based on your statement in your OP, the coil in question is actually coil #3, not #2. A code reading scanner may show P0303.

Driver's side => 1-3-5-7, front to back

IF you do/did have a bad coil, they can be replaced individually if needed.