Car Trouble, Need Advice

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by saden1

The car once again started exhibiting the same problems (choking and engine light is on) and I took it back to the dealer. They said the #3 Engine Coil needs to be replaced. WTF does that mean and is that normal for an 8 yo car with 100K miles. They also told me that if they fix this coil and it happens again I might as well replace all the coils at $150 per coil (i think there are 5 coils).

Are these SOBs gasing me?

They're right on the coil packs needing replaced around that mileage, but they're bending you over on that price.


Go to RockAuto Auto Parts and get the parts there. They beat ANYONE'S prices and service is great.

Coil packs are very easy to change on most cars, you should be able to handle it yourself. Usually accessible right on top of the engine. Follow the spark plug wires to the end not connected to the engine block...the part they connect to on the other end are the coil packs.

Disconnect the batter and the plug wires. The coil packs are usually only held on with a couple of screws or bolts. Just make sure you put the plug wires back on in the same locations, it makes a huge difference. Use some masking tape and mark them 1-4 or 1-6 if you're not completely confident in your memory.

Just change the faulty one...sometimes they last a long time, sometimes they don't. No reason to replace a functioning one.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Buster

They're right on the coil packs needing replaced around that mileage, but they're bending you over on that price.


Go to RockAuto Auto Parts and get the parts there. They beat ANYONE'S prices and service is great.

Coil packs are very easy to change on most cars, you should be able to handle it yourself. Usually accessible right on top of the engine. Follow the spark plug wires to the end not connected to the engine block...the part they connect to on the other end are the coil packs.

Disconnect the batter and the plug wires. The coil packs are usually only held on with a couple of screws or bolts. Just make sure you put the plug wires back on in the same locations, it makes a huge difference. Use some masking tape and mark them 1-4 or 1-6 if you're not completely confident in your memory.

Just change the faulty one...sometimes they last a long time, sometimes they don't. No reason to replace a functioning one.

Thanks. I know the dealer gouges you but charing $150 for something that costs $50 is pure theft.

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted by saden1

Thanks. I know the dealer gouges you but charing $150 for something that costs $50 is pure theft.

They may be charging you $50 for the part and $100 for labor (20 minutes rounded up to an hour).

[saden1]

Originally Posted by cpayne5

They may be charging you $50 for the part and $100 for labor (20 minutes rounded up to an hour).

No, he said 150 part, 90 labor. It's a racket!

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted by Buster

They're right on the coil packs needing replaced around that mileage, but they're bending you over on that price.


Go to RockAuto Auto Parts and get the parts there. They beat ANYONE'S prices and service is great.

Coil packs are very easy to change on most cars, you should be able to handle it yourself. Usually accessible right on top of the engine. Follow the spark plug wires to the end not connected to the engine block...the part they connect to on the other end are the coil packs.

Disconnect the batter and the plug wires. The coil packs are usually only held on with a couple of screws or bolts. Just make sure you put the plug wires back on in the same locations, it makes a huge difference. Use some masking tape and mark them 1-4 or 1-6 if you're not completely confident in your memory.

Just change the faulty one...sometimes they last a long time, sometimes they don't. No reason to replace a functioning one.

I'm fairly certain the car in question has coil-on-plug coil packs. No plug wires here.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by cpayne5

I'm fairly certain the car in question has coil-on-plug coil packs. No plug wires here.

I looked for a mention of the model...did not see one.

Regardless, Rock Auto will hook him up.

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted by Buster

I looked for a mention of the model...did not see one.

Regardless, Rock Auto will hook him up.

Yeah, RA is good. I wish shipping was cheaper, though. I love their catalog.

Check out these coupon codes if you have an Advance Auto nearby...
Winter Deals - Advance Auto Parts

You have to order on the website, but you can pick-up the order in store. I grabbed a $100 battery for $60 yesterday using the coupon.

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by Buster

I looked for a mention of the model...did not see one.

Regardless, Rock Auto will hook him up.

I do not believe that S-1 is a DIY.......
AND Saden, if this is a dealership? They are notoriously...........HIGH!! It would be a great boon for you to try and locate an honest shop that is competent on your machine.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Hog1

I do not believe that S-1 is a DIY.......
AND Saden, if this is a dealership? They are notoriously...........HIGH!! It would be a great boon for you to try and locate an honest shop that is competent on your machine.

I'm no grease monkey but I can follow instructions well. I work on my bike all the time but unfortunately I've never gotten into tinkering with cars. If another coil goes out I'm definitely going to try to do it myself. If I fail miserably you lot will have to pay my toeing fee.

I've tried to locate an honest mechanic that charges reasonable prices in my area but I've had a tough time because this is a rich area with Microsoft millionaires live and work. They are all overpriced!

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by saden1

I'm no grease monkey but I can follow instructions well. I work on my bike all the time but unfortunately I've never gotten into tinkering with cars. If another coil goes out I'm definitely going to try to do it myself. If I fail miserably you lot will have to pay my toeing fee.

I've tried to locate an honest mechanic that charges reasonable prices in my area but I've had a tough time because this is a rich area with Microsoft millionaires live and work. They are all overpriced!

If that is the case, you can find on Youtube almost ANY mechanical procedure on any car. You can also find a TON of valuable info through the forum network. Can't stress that enough!
Best places to buy OEM parts (original manufacturer will last longer but are more expensive).
Procedural and diagnostic info, etc.
Most of repair cost is in the labor AND you can do most things yourself.
AND, AND I did not mean to offend with the "DIY" thing.
Good luck

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted by saden1

I'm no grease monkey but I can follow instructions well. I work on my bike all the time but unfortunately I've never gotten into tinkering with cars. If another coil goes out I'm definitely going to try to do it myself. If I fail miserably you lot will have to pay my toeing fee.

I've tried to locate an honest mechanic that charges reasonable prices in my area but I've had a tough time because this is a rich area with Microsoft millionaires live and work. They are all overpriced!

If you take a picture of the top of your engine, we can probably show you exactly what to do.

What model car do you have? 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder?

[saden1]

Originally Posted by cpayne5

If you take a picture of the top of your engine, we can probably show you exactly what to do.

What model car do you have? 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder?

4 cylinder. I was going to try the manual and see what it tells me. If I have trouble I'll be sure to post pics.