Ignition coil has gone bad again for the 4th time.

[neiljmoore]

I have a 97 catera . The coil failed about 6 months ago . there was no spark on 1 and 4 . I replaced it and had the same problem on start up. I got another coil and replaced it again. It worked fine for about 6 months and suddenly failed again The same thing .....no spark on 1 and 4 . I got another coil and replaced it , and it has no spark on 1 and 4 on start up . the rest of the plugs fire ok . This is driving me crazy. I am a decent back yard mechanic and do all my own repairs . I just don't get it .Anyone have any ideas. any insight would be helpful.

[xanax06]

Sounds like maybe a plug wire is exposed somewhere, hitting the engine. But I dunno if that would burn out the coil.
I would call a dealer just for some ideas.

[investor74]

Just a thought...

I once asked a question about needing to change spark plugs on this forum and the reply came back that if you don't it makes you ignition coil work harder to produce a spark which may cause it to fail pre-maturely. Guess it would apply to cables that are not conducting properly as well. Might check those.

Barry

[neiljmoore]

Originally Posted by xanax06

Sounds like maybe a plug wire is exposed somewhere, hitting the engine. But I dunno if that would burn out the coil.
I would call a dealer just for some ideas.

it has all new wires and plugs.

[neiljmoore]

new wires and plugs all around. Dealers are no help.

[hulksteronline]

Hmmm. My coil just died too after fixing it 4 months ago. 1 & 4 as well.