mikek753

hi

got today yellow engine light, OBDII at first shown p0301 misfire
so I cleared the code and ride for 10 ml back home
the yellow eng light got back and OBDII got two codes p0351 (Ignition Coil) and p0301
This is 1st Coil that is hard to reach, I replaced spark plugs and it took me like 5 hours for sparks near firewall

Is this 1st Coil or wire or etc?
How I can diagnose it?

thanks

tomf

I'd swap #1 coil with #2 coil and see if the problem follows the coil. If the problem follows the coil, replace the bad coil which is now on the #2 cylinder.

mikek753

yes, I replaced #1 with #2 - took me about 4 hours to get to #1 and put manifold back ...
and I got p0352 code - so yes, it looks like bad coil
now I'll see how to get new one to put in #2
the #2 position is easy - like 5-10 min work time

thanks

Oro

If you have another good Toyota coil around, stick it in and use a zip tie or other hack to secure it. The coils pretty much all have the same spec and connections for similar years, it's just the bolt securing flanges that differ. I ran mine like this for a week once so i could order an affordable one online vs. $90 at the dealership.

Another tip is to buy 2 or 3 on ebay off wrecked take-offs. Usually cheap for OE there. Keep an extra or two in the spare tire well.

mikek753

I ordered from amazon for $57 Denso 673-1301, should come Monday
no, I don't have any spare
I was tired to do any manifold take out after work on Friday night, so before I swapped #1 to #2 I wasn't sure what I need to order
I also tried to swap later #2 and #4 and got p0354

how often coils need to be replaced?
I thought that coil should work lifetime ;-)

Oro

They can work a lifetime, but heat and stress reveal small flaws in some. The copper/resin core is not bulletproof, but it is very sturdy.

I have found that roughly 1 in 5 coils fail between 150k and 200k, then the rest work past 300k. This is based on 3 toyota/Lexus I have had. Varies with climate and usage, of course. My theory is that a coil that will fail, does so at 150 to 200k. The others last.

our 02 ES has 273k and only coil fail on it was #2 about 230k. Thankfully front so no need to to take off the manifold then. If you ever do take that off again, check the rear plugs and rear VC Gasket. Rear gasket becomes source of oil leaks because of the heat back there, no air flow and crammed into the firewall. That is also why those coils fail more, as well as PS hose and pump.