97 Bad Coil?

[Josh Assing]

We've had this happen a few times -- the car idles rough; like it's missing &
the "check engine" light comes on. It's only happened when it's been raining or
we washed the car.

We took it to the repair shop & he said the code reader said "missing on #4"

he said that this type of coil has "issues". He also said the replacement coil
may get this same problem later on.

Is there anything I can do to protect the coil from being damaged again? he
said it was a 'well known problem' with these coils....

Thanks
-josh

 

[Jim Stewart]

We've had this happen a few times -- the car idles rough; like it's missing &
the "check engine" light comes on. It's only happened when it's been raining or
we washed the car.

We took it to the repair shop & he said the code reader said "missing on #4"

he said that this type of coil has "issues". He also said the replacement coil
may get this same problem later on.

Is there anything I can do to protect the coil from being damaged again? he
said it was a 'well known problem' with these coils....

Coils are within the normal realm of things that
fail on a car. I've changed a couple (not in
Subaru's) over the last 30 or so years. There's
not much you can do that the manufacturer didn't
aready do. I'd just change it and not worry.

 

[Edward Hayes]

I would first check the ignition hi voltage wire connections where they go
into the coil. If they look ok then change the plug wires unless there
fairly new. The tip-off is the rain or washing causes the problem. If you
like to experiment wait till dark. Start car open hood and spray wires with
water and look for hi voltage leaks. ed

 

[Josh Assing]

Sounds fun. except this is my wife's car..... so I can't experiement.

the repair shop (not dealer, but subaru only) says they gaurantee it's the
coilpack...

 

[Josh Assing]

Coils are within the normal realm of things that
fail on a car. I've changed a couple (not in
Subaru's) over the last 30 or so years. There's

Really? I've only had to change one -- and it was frm a cracked neck becuase I
wrenched on it too hard..

not much you can do that the manufacturer didn't
aready do. I'd just change it and not worry.

Hmm. I've had cars where stuff is 'bad' and that's why aftermarket existed.

 

[Jim Stewart]

Really? I've only had to change one -- and it was frm a cracked neck becuase I
wrenched on it too hard..

Did you want opinion or an argument? I didn't
lie when I said I've changed a couple. If they
didn't fail, I guess the local parts store wouldn't
have them in stock.

Given that the coil has to supply a very high
voltage spark under conditions of moisture,
vibration and extreme heat, I'm surprised they
last as well as they do.

Hmm. I've had cars where stuff is 'bad' and that's why aftermarket existed.

Aftermarket exists for a number of reasons. My
experience is that quality is pretty low on the
list.

 

[Josh Assing]

Did you want opinion or an argument? I didn't

No argument from my end.. I'm pleased to get opinions... I'd just never
heard/seen it happen before except from when I did physical damage. I'm
suprised; but relieved that others have had problems -- which makes me feel
better about buying a new coil pack.

Sorry if I came off poorly.