new 2/17/03
All-
Since someone mentioned (I think it was David Ware) that the only stupid question is the one not asked, I'm throwing this out there at the risk of repeating old knowledge.
If there's a mis-fire in one of the cylinders due to a coil problem, but the MIL never comes on, is there still a code that would be readable if I took the car to have the ODB checked? I ask because I'm about 98% sure that I have a bad coil, but I would like to know which one it is before I have it opened up for the welding, so I can have the correct one(s) replaced, and not waste too much time doing it.
Any assistance is appreciated. I haven't taken the car anywhere to have the codes checked, since I haven't gotten the MIL to light up yet, and I didn't know if I'd even be able to pull anything. So, if there should be a code, let me know, and I'll have it pulled and report back.
Thanks!
-John B
I can confirm this to be not true. Twice I've had SES lights when the coil isn't completely dead. I think that maybe it's possible that after the computer sets the SES light on it will shut the coil off completely. I know that both times I got my SES light it ran really badly after the light was set. The second time I check the code with my scanner and reset it. After I reset it, the car ran much better. Also the second time I had a guy I know driving behind me. When I stopped to check the codes he asked me if I was running catless because of the smell.
Speaking of coils, I just picked up 8 brand new coils today. If anyone wants some let me know. My price is $58 US each. Shipping is about $13US from here (Edmonton, AB) to just about anywhere in the US for 3-5 day service. One week shipping is about $5 US and next day shipping is $20 US.
If anybody is in need let me know. I'll put them up on e-bay in the next couple of days if they're not spoken for.
And guys, I'm making next to nothing on these. Nobody else would do this, this cheap. I don't think you can find them cheaper. I know the UAP/NAPA store on Belfast Rd. in Ottawa has 6 more coils in stock. Their list price is $109 Canadian or $88 Canadian if you get them at cost. By the way the exchange rate is around 66 cents.
Ian Macoomb
'97 ES/BS Taurus SHO
Ottawa, Ontario
I never had an SES light set by the coils.. probably has a lot of variance in what goes one
first one went right after I changed my plugs then had 5 of 8 go in about a 4 month span. bought the other 3 and swapped them also.
Clare Allenby
96 TR
Christian Andretta <passport@optonline.net> wrote:
I think the only method for properly diagnosing this is doing a load balance test, merely scanning the codes won't provide you with any clues. Well there is that or if your AWA doesn't
mind you baking you coils @ 350 for 45 min you could try the Nimz protocol for coil evaluation.
Chris A
99 SF
Since someone mentioned (I think it was David Ware) that the only stupid question is the one not asked, I'm throwing this out there at the risk of repeating old knowledge.
If there's a mis-fire in one of the cylinders due to a coil problem, but the MIL never comes on, is there still a code that would be readable if I took the car to have the ODB checked? I ask because I'm about 98% sure that I have a bad coil, but I would like to know which one it is before I have it opened up for the welding, so I can have the correct one(s) replaced, and not waste too much time doing it.
Any assistance is appreciated. I haven't taken the car anywhere to have the codes checked, since I haven't gotten the MIL to light up yet, and I didn't know if I'd even be able to pull anything. So, if there should be a code, let me know, and I'll have it pulled and report back.
Thanks!
John B
No AWA. Anything put in my oven is put there by me. But, I'm not really a big fan of trying to pull my engine apart standing in 8 inches of snow, regardless of how much sun there is. Having no driveway, my house isn't too conducive to working ony my car. Rotating tires on a car parked in the street sure can get interesting...
I'll wait for other answers before deciding on the best course of action, but from what you just said, Christian, I'll await those other answers with guarded optimism.
John B
I agree 100% with Ian's statement.
The same thing happened to me in early January. On was on my way up to Kirk's "Mini Monster Garage" after he had welded my cams. The car was idling poorly but ran fine on the highway. We determined that it was a coil going bad (back side :-( ), and had flipped a SES code. The coil checked out marginally on an ohm meter after replacement. Not dead, but on it's way . As soon as the coil was replaced with a spare that I had, and reset the computer, the car ran as it should again.
Jim Merriman
Just a note I tried my X at at 350 F for 45 min but she kept escaping.
Buford