I've got a CEL that gives an error code referring to a coil on my 2006 6AT. The previous owner told me the coils had been replaced in September this year, but after calling the garage they told me that they in fact only replaced one of the four, so I figure they're due for replacement.

I've read all the threads about replacement coils that I could find on here; unfortunately most are referring to shops that don't ship to New Zealand, so I'm looking at buying from ebay.

My question is, how do I tell if something is a genuine Mazda part? From reading this forum, I know that they don't need to say 'Mazda OEM' to be identical, but I've also read some suggestion that certain coils trigger CELs on JDM cars (like mine) despite working fine.

Here are some I'm looking at on ebay:

BRAND NEW MAZDARX8 RX-8 RX 8 IGNITION COIL PACK OF 4 2003 2008 N3H1-18-10 | eBay

 

Read this thread: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...s-ebay-247265/


I'd be more inclined to trust a coil sold on ebay that ISN'T branded "Mazda" than a coil that IS. As that thread indicates, there are counterfeit coils being sold as "OEM Mazda". I wouldn't mind buying non-OEM coils (and have), but not from someone lying to me by telling me that they are.

And yes, i believe you have an ECU version that can detect individual coil problems, the US didn't get that for some reason. The flip side is that the ECU can tell what kind of coils you have, and using the wrong coils can cause problems. I don't really have more detailed information on that for you though, as I have zero experience with it.

 

Damn I'd missed that thread. Thanks a lot, RIWWP.

I can get a set of 4 coils from Mazmart for US$240 plus US$50 shipping. Guess that's my safest bet unless you know of anyone credible selling them for less.

 

Beign that you are overseas, yeah, that is your best bet.

 

Thanks a lot for your help. I'll order those.

 

Last thing: how unwise is it to do light driving for the 2 - 3 weeks it'll take for the coils to arrive? It's triggering the CEL and there seems to be some power loss but no obvious symptoms like trouble starting or misfires.

 

If you have a cat installed, I wouldn't risk it. Misfires can kill a cat in extremely short distances (or long distances if you are lucky, but under 50 miles is possible). Then in addition to having an expensive cat fail ($1,300 USD), if it clogs you are risking O2 sensor damage ($250 and $150 USD for front and rear respectively), engine damage, and if really bad, can ignite the bottom of your car. Keep in mind that it has probably been misfiring for a while already...

If you are catless, you can do it without nearly as much risk, though it still isn't a very healthy for the engine so I'd keep the driving to a minimum.