Hi all,

I have a 99TL with just about 200k miles on it. Just had the timing belt service done, which included new spark plugs. Last night when I started the car, it was idling very rough. Upon scanning the codes, there are misfires on almost all cylinders. Any ideas? Remember the spark plugs are brand new.

Thanks for any insight.

 

You most likely have 1 coil pack bad. This car for some reason when one misfires shows codes for all of them. Buy one new one and start on 1 cyl replace the coil with the new one reset the ECU (pull the clock backup fuse for 1 min) then start the car and see if it comes back. If it does, put the original coilpack back on and move to the next cyl with the new coil pack. Repeat till you find the problem.

 

Thanks for the advice. Is this something that normally manifests itself after replacing spark plugs, or was it just coincidence that the coil packs may have gone bad? Also, for a shop to do it, is it considered a big job?

 

Just a coincidence (unless you banged it or dropped one) As for a shop to do it be careful. they will probably want to replace ALL of them and plugs because of the code. Its very easy for any one with a few simple hand tools to do. I would attempt it myself. A coil should cost around 45 bucks and a few hours of your time.

 

Just out of curiosity - Did you get the service done by a stealer or an indy shop? Do you know if they used the OEM plugs or another brand?

 

Thanks again for the advice. I had an indy shop do the 105k service, which included timing belt, water pump, coolant, spark plugs. The guy said the spark plugs are platinum. I don't know the brand that was used. But it is a shop that specializes in Honda/Acura.

 

^
I see. OEM NGK's are the way to go for the plugs.

 

I would start on the front three cylinders regardless of number! Couldn't the resistance be tested on a multi-meter without even taking them out? Just a thought.

 

Well, I brought the car to my local dealer to fix the problem. Yes, I know it's more expensive than an indy shop, but I'm pressed for time on this one. Turns out they found that the coilpack on cyl #6 was bad. So they replaced it and the engine is running smooth now. Of course, the service adviser tries to tell me that it's best to replace all the coilpacks.

I also have an existing problem with my cat converter in that it needs replacement. But given that I have about 1.5 yrs go to before I need another smog check, I'll wait a bit on that.

Thanks everyone for the advice and help!

 

And I thought Cali was supposed to be tough on emissions. We have to pass emissions every year here in TN.

 

Here in CA, we have to do smog checks every 2 years. New cars are exempted for maybe 4 years (not 100% sure about that).

 

I have a multi meter, how do I test the coil packs with it?

 

so what would be the difference between bosch platinum 2 plugs which i have in my car.. then NGK???

 

NGK are much much better.

 

guess im change to NGK then.. where would be the best place to buy them at.. instead of the dealer

 

Any parts store has them. $7 or $8 each. Get the NGK Iridium IX.

 

Yea im in the same boat i need a cat converter too, but i only have about 4 months before i have to replace it to pass inspection.

 

Here are some symtoms for a bad coil:

idling very rough, high gas consumption, lost of power.

there's one bad coil on my car that i've just replaced.....it's 10 min. job..very easy to replace. And, i've paid 30$ for 2 coils on ebay.

Hope i could help.