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symptoms & problems solved by ignitino coil replacement
Thought I'd post this to help others...
Recently, I'd experienced hard starts w/ my '04 (~70k miles). The engine would crank and fire intermittently, and would finally start. I still have the original (low speed) starter and have had no issues starting before this. I have an Optima yellow top battery that's less than 2 years old, and cranking is still strong.
I also noticed a lack of low-end torque (not that the Renesis has much of that to begin with...) as evidenced by a "stumble" coming off a stop sign (I have a MT). Above 2k rpm everything seemed fine, but once (and only once) I got a flashing CEL during hard acceleration to 8500 rpm. I had the code pulled and it was a misfire on rotor #2.
This was slim evidence, but, coupled with the fact that the coil packs are a known issue, the number of miles on the car, and the fact that I'd replaced the plugs and wires only 8 months ago, I took a chance that it was a weak coil pack.
I replaced all four yesterday, and it immediately solved the problems!
BTW, Rosenthal Mazda (www.finishlineperformance.com) had the best price I could find for OEM coils, shipping was free, and I got them in 3 days (I live in Missouri).
Also, I did the simple resistance checks suggested by the Mazda service bulletin, and all of the coils I removed checked normal. So, this method alone wouldn't appear to be a reliable way to diagnose a coil problem.
The DIY's on this forum are a great help. I replaced the coils in an hour or so, and I didn't have to remove the air box or stabilizer bar as some have suggested.
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'04GT, Winning Blue, 6MT, June 03 build
Also, I did the simple resistance checks suggested by the Mazda service bulletin, and all of the coils I removed checked normal. So, this method alone wouldn't appear to be a reliable way to diagnose a coil problem.
This only reinforces what we've been trying to explain to others.
Method you used is a reliable way to check the coil windings, but that isn't the component known to fail... its the ignitor.
There is no way for you to bench test the coils... and yes, no 'visual' way to tell either.
Only real way to test a coil is individually with a timing light.
Glad new coils helped with your problems, I only hope that this doesn't make the inexperienced members think that all starting issues are related to coils (since we already see them blaming coils for everything else).
Without proper troubleshooting, you won't know unless you want to throw random parts at a problem.
__________________ Current Mods: RB REVi Intake & Ram Air Duct, AP Catback Exhaust, MazSport DR Midpipe, AP Pulley, BHR Ignition Coils, BHR/SPEC Flywheel, ACT Counterweight, Exedy Stage 1 Clutch Kit, HD Release Bearing, AccessPort w/MazdaManiac tune, REmedy Thermostat & Water Pump, AFE Short Shifter, Lotek Pod with ProSport Gauges, Axxess iPod Adapter, Illuminated Shift Knob, Bridgestone Potenza RE760, OPTIMA 35 RedTop Battery. Oils: Engine= Royal Purple 5w30, Trans= Redline MT-90, Diff= Redline 75w90
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