For $550??? Popping sound right as you cross 4000rpm, dealer's mechanic said probably a misfire, then charged $48 for the ignition coil diagnosis. Can a newbie even attempt as a DIY or should I give up and pay the dealer? Sorry for the dumb question, please go easy on me.

 

First off the coils are easy to change if you are somewhat mechanically inclined, and NO DO NOT BUY 500 dollar coils from the dealer, buy BHR's upgraded ignition kit for 500 bucks and never have to replace them again plus get added benefits found in that thread. And they come with great instructions.

Edit I have no idea if this is and/or will fix your problem

 

They really are very easy to change out. There is a DIY on here somewhere...

Are you sure it os $550 for just coils? Nothing else included in that price? You can get the OEM ones (exact same ones the dealer would give you) from Mazmart at $185...

And like Dirt Nasty said, for $500 dollars you could get the BHR ignition system with upgraded coils that work better (more voltage) and will last as long as the car.

 

Seems like a lot, but then you figure our plugs cost about $80 for the full set yet the dealer will charge you around $300. I bet $550 is just for the coils.

Oh and +1 on the BHR coils, money well spent if you go for that.

 

Yes. BHR, it's worth the investment. Its why im going that route next

 

We all know BHR is the best, but if the OP is strapped for cash, then he may have to go OEM.
If OEM, then like was said............go to www.mazmart.com and get them. If you can wrench at all(and I mean at all), it's easy to change out the coils...really.....you can even go to the DIY section on this site and find instructions with pics.

So why did the dealer say "probably a misfire", did do not have any codes stored? Did they not retrieve any?

Are you seeing your CEL flash when that happens?

Damn sure don't want you spending money if that's not going to fix your issue.

How many miles on this car and how many miles since last coil change? plug change?

 

I agree if money is tight he should go oem again for now. He said an option was giving up and paying the dealer, so if its even possible for him to buy BHR coils then he should do so right now. If he buys the oem ones now he will just be out $200 more because he will be buying BHR at one point.

 

That's true, I can't argue with that.

Guess it depends on the pain level of $500.00 because he could do it himself for $200.00(if OEM)......point really is............don't take it up the rear at the dealer.