how can I tell which coil going out before check engine light comes on

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I had a coil go out I couldn't tell which one until my check engine light came on than I put scanner on it then it told me what cyciner it was how can u tell before the check engine light come on thank u

bgke4 in Lexington KY

Jan 22, 2014

3 Replies

Popular Answer

pushrodon Jan 22, 2014

A professional scanner can run a cylinder contribution test that will show the misfiring coil or cylinder. Do it all the time!

bgke4on Jan 23, 2014

hand held scanner or bigger

pushrodon Jan 23, 2014

Example: Snap-on Modis professional scanner, hand held but cost about $7k!! Repair shop equipment.!

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globalhelperon Jan 23, 2014

YOU CAN TEST IF YOU HAVE PROPER EQUIP,IF NOT HAVE IT SCANNED

perkins704on Apr 4, 2015

after the Trucks at normal idle temp. Unplug each coil one by one & u'll hear a change in motor. & if it lugs down & gets worse u know that coils good & know change then it's bad! u can check with Ohm meter also but this ways the easiest!

pushrodon Apr 4, 2015

That's all well and fine 'IF' it's misfiring (dead skip) at idle at the time of testing.. and if that's the case..the light is on anyway, just read codes!.. What if it only misfires intermittently at road speed?.. A scanner is the only way to capture a misfire under those conditions.. Read the question again... Just getting it straight here!

perkins704on Apr 4, 2015

I agree & i'd do the same...BUT...the Question is BEFORE the light or code comes on! and thats the easiest way for DIYers ! I'm jus a shade tree mechanic but i do have access to a perfessional scanner but i've been told from many mechanics that they do it that away also to find a missfire quick. And if that dont work then they pull the computer out to check it correctly! I'm waiting on my own Scanner as we Type. But if i was him i'd wait until a code came up , but other then using a Ohm. meter to check, then disconnecting them is the best.

pushrodon Apr 4, 2015

If it is NOT misfiring at idle (dead skip) at the time then it can NOT be tested period!.. If it only misfires when driving down the road then a scanner is the only way to test it using the 'cylinder numbered' misfire screen.. I am a mechanic and that's just the way it works!

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