Inginition coil test

[davidi30]

I have a 2000 i30. I am getting the error code for a misfire, and also for a misfire on cyl #3. I changed the plugs, and got the same error codes. After reading a few posts, and the diagnostic recommendations from autozone, it seems like the next likely thing to check/replace are the ignition coils. The coil on cyl #3 could be bad. I cleared the codes a few days ago, and it has not come back, but it probably will. The coil tester at Autozone won't test the coils used for my car. Is there a way to test these coils? If the error codes come back should I just eat the $70 for the new coil and change the coil for cyl #3? thanks

[davidi30]

Got some info from another forum about coils on a 2000 Maxima, which is probably similar to the i30. Thought I share that in case it helps some one else. It seems like coils are hard to test accurately with test equipment. The load and heat while driving effects the coils. One guy "tested" a suspected bad coil by moving it to the two other cyls, and seeing over time if he got error codes from those cyl's when they had the suspect bad coil. Seems smart. I have not figured out why many recommend to replace all the coils when one goes bad. Too bad the coil I think is bad is one of the ones in the back!

[tps2000]

I tried several months ago to get some info on testing coil packs with no luck. I have some friends whom r electricians and auto wiz"s and they could not figure out how. D ealer says no way to test replace them all for 800.00 and I said hell naw, found the whole set of factory coils on Ebay for 250.00, they work great.

[MinisterofDOOM]

One guy "tested" a suspected bad coil by moving it to the two other cyls, and seeing over time if he got error codes from those cyl's when they had the suspect bad coil.

That's your best bet, right there.

Test by process of elimination. Swap the coils around and see which one the problem follows.

It's even easier if you have access to known good coils (even if you just borrow them). In that case, you can just swap out coils one by one until the problem goes away, and then you'll have your culprit.

[davidi30]

Thanks. Just my luck - the bad one (probably #3) is in the back. After getting the error code for misfire on #3, I cleared the error, and it has not come back for a few days. I read that the problems with bad ignition coils are intermitent, which makes trouble shooting harder. I will probably swap the #3 cyl coil this weekend for another coil, and then see what happens. These intermitent problems are a bear to figure out, especially without all of the test equipment.

[maxhopper]

zerothread?id=210415

[davidi30]

thanks maxhopper. The guy you linked me to is really into coils! I got the check engine light again. I changed the #1 and the #3 coils. I am hopping I get an error light for misfire on #1, then I know what the problem is.