ignition coil replacement
My check engine light has been on (not blinking, just steady) for a month or so. Technician at S ubaru dealer says third cylinder is misfiring and I need to replace the ignition coil; they recommend replacing spark plugs and wires, as well. The ignition coil replacement costs $350; the spark plugs and wires $200. Is this a necessary repair? What happens if I don't do it?Is it dangerous to drive with this condition, or "just" bad for engine-- what are the consequences of letting this go? Thanks for advice.
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I did all of those things on my 98 Forester.
The ignition coil cost me $80 and it only took two bolts to remove it. I had to remove 4 spark plug wires but mama-mia, $350? That's like $270 for labor, 3 hours? I could probably do it again in 3 minutes. Ok, maybe 5, tops.
It may be harder to reach on other models, but that still seems crazy high to me.
Funny thing is the $200 for the spark plugs and wires, with labor, is actually not a bad price. That takes longer and is much harder to access. I probably took an hour, maybe a bit more, so that price actually seems fair.
I would do the fix because a misfire sends unburned fuel downstream, and that will eventually wear out your catalytic converter, and cost you more than all of the above.
Fix it, but look in to doing the ignition coil yourself.
What year/make/model?
The fact that the old cat failed says it all.
Do this - order an ignition coil on-line. Should be $80 or so, maybe a tad more nowadays.
You can change that in the time it takes to fill up your gas tank. Then do the plugs and wires when you can.
Let me try to find a photo to motivate you...
Bingo, good pic:
The ignition coil sits right at the top of the engine. Easy to find because all 4 spark plug wires lead right to it. You unplug those 4 wires, remove 2 screws, replace it with the new one, replace 2 screws, plus in 4 wires.
Seriously, it's that easy. And there's only one ignition coil, so it's a cheap fix.
Best of luck, whatever you decide.
I would certainly do the plugs, and if the wires are original, them too.
Problem solved for $280, rather than the $550 originally quoted. Half price basically.