Ignition Coil Issue

[AllenPacla]

Is it possible that our Catera's coil can fail only on one of the terminals. In my situation, it's the 1st terminal. I'm not getting enough juice from it that i'm getting a misfire. And in case I buy a new one, which brand should I go for? Can I just get the cheapest I found without regard to the brand? Any input is much appreciated. By the way, it's for a 97' Catera.

[Po Pimp]

This is really a grey area with the Catera. It could very well be the coil pack. Yes, just one coil can fail causing just a misfire on one cylinder. On the other hand the wires can wear and cause a similar situation. Oil on the spark plugs themselves could cause a misfire on just one cylinder. No definative way to test the coil or the wires. The test you can do just kind of condemn the part on hunches.

I would suggest that you first take out the spark plug. This is free and you will at least rule the oil fouling first. It is also on the easy side to get so you got that going for you.

If I had to just guess I would think it is your coil pack. A handful of people I have talked to locally have had the same problem I expienced after changing my coil pack and that is the wires failed shortly afterwards. Not really heard any of that on this forum though. Something to keep in mind and maybe start setting aside some money in case.

While you have the coil pack on I would suggest that you check the mounting plate. It is not at all uncommon for a coolant leak to take out the coil pack. You should see white staining of the mounting plate if this is the case. No sense in burning up a new coil pack if there is another problem.

As far as brands go there is really just not enough information or choices to be picky. Best price I found on a coil pack was at Auto Zone for $175-180. The best price I found on wires was also at Auto Zone, $175 that is for all six other places charge you that much for 3 wires. That one just kind of hurts your feelings. Look on the bright side you don't own a Ferrari. The belt has to be changed every 2500 miles at a cost of $2000-3000 for the belt alone, no labor or installation.