What are the symptoms of a bad coil pack?

Technical Discussions
1

I’m experiencing some issues with my car lately, and I’m starting to think it might be related to the coil pack. I’d love to get some input from anyone who’s dealt with this before. Here are some details:

Symptoms I’ve Noticed:

  • Engine Misfires: It feels like the engine is hiccuping intermittently, especially at idle.
  • Reduced Performance: The car seems sluggish, especially when trying to accelerate.
  • Difficult Starting: Sometimes it takes longer to start than usual, and I’m not sure if it’s the battery or something else.
  • Warning Lights: The check engine light is on, which has me worried.

Questions:

  1. Are these typical symptoms for a bad coil pack?
  2. How can I confirm if this is the issue?
  3. What are my options for replacement or repair?

Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

2

A bad coil pack can cause your engine to misfire. When you’re accelerating and feel a jerk, that’s a clear sign something’s off.

3

Definitely! A rough idle is another big clue. If your car feels like it’s shaking when stopped, it’s worth checking the coil pack.

4

I’ve noticed reduced fuel efficiency as well when my coil pack was failing. It really eats into your wallet!

2 Likes
5

Exactly! And don’t forget the dreaded check engine light. It often goes off when something’s wrong with a coil pack.

3 Likes
6

Good point, montoyajason! It’s so annoying when that light blinks at you, especially if you know you need a mechanic.

7

If misfiring and rough idling persist, you might want to get the ignition coils tested. It’s a relatively easy fix.

8

True! The car often lets you know when something is amiss. I wouldn’t ignore it.

9

My car started sputtering like an old lawnmower; turns out it was the coil pack! Now I call it my ‘lawnmower in disguise.’

10

That’s true! It’s fascinating how these symptoms link together. Anyone else experienced a combination of these issues?

3 Likes
11

So many things can mimic coil pack issues. I’ve been down that rabbit hole before with my car. Always good to do a thorough check!

12

Haha, I love that! My car was more like a roller coaster. It’s all fun until it breaks down!

13

Overall, trusting your instincts is key. If you suspect a failing coil pack, don’t hesitate to check it out.

14

Agreed, Sara! Diagnosing the problem can be half the battle. Good luck to anyone facing this!

15

When a coil pack is failing, you might notice issues like misfires, rough idling, or a drop in fuel efficiency. It’s best to diagnose it early to avoid further damage.

16

Absolutely! Using an OBD-II scanner can help pinpoint the exact cylinder that’s misfiring, making the repair much easier.

17

You can test the coil pack with a multimeter too! Just check for primary and secondary resistance. If it’s out of spec, it’s likely the culprit.

18

That’s a good tip! What values should we be looking for when testing?

6 Likes
19

Typically, primary resistance should be between 0.5 to 2 ohms, and secondary resistance can be between 6,000 to 15,000 ohms depending on the vehicle. Always check your specs!

20

Using an OBD-II scanner is really useful, but make sure your connection is good! Sometimes connection issues can throw off the readings.