I replaced a front bank coil a couple of years ago and now my daughter tells me that the Autozone scan shows P0303, or #3 cylinder misfire. I have searched here and apparently the rear bank is a PITA to get to. Has anyone done this that either has advice or photos? Can this be done without taking the intake off?

Any hints?

Thanks in advance.

grumpa72

grumpa72@gmail.com

yes, still searching the forum using variations of the phrasing.

 

Sounds like a coil pack issue on one of your cyclinders. Search for my rear spark plug DIY and you will see what a pain it is.

 

I found the DIY about two hours after posting by looking up spark plugs instead of coil pack. Nice write-up. Btw, what was the time to complete this task? I have a local Toyota dealer who will gladly do Lexus work and I don't know if my back will allow me to work on that rear bank. I am thinking of asking the service manager "how much to do the rear bank of plugs and coil packs" and I supply the parts.

 

A couple points here:

- Plan for 6 hours. I worked on Friday night (tear down). Buildup (Sat morning).
- If you have disc issues on S1, L5 or L4 vertebrae I would advise against this task. Lots of leaning over.
- Usually Lexus charges 800 bucks for the job. Toyota will be less.
- The parts are not the costly factor but the labor. Spark plugs are $5 each and one coil is $50.
- Most dealer service depts wont allow you to bring your own parts because of 'liability'

 

Hmmm, that won't work since I have had surgery in the L5/S1 area and issues are still there. They want to do a fusion next. I will check locally and see.

So, from your write-up it is impossible to replace a coil pack without taking half the engine apart.

 

first things first

clear the code and see if it comes back. the chance is slim, but it could be a one time event.

secondly, it might take a few weeks or more to come back, assuming it does, this will at least buy you some time to research it.

worst case. it comes back right away.

 

Correct me if I am wrong but there isn't any reason to clear the code. The car is running poorly due to the (assumed) non-firing coil pack. Clearing the code won't fix the coil pack so I am off to visit the local independent garages that are known to do excellent work on foreign cars for a quote.