Walkthru on coil replacement for 2002-

[strikevalk]

very informative writeup. i just got through my first attempt today, it wasn't nearly as bad as i thought. changed all 6 plugs, cleaned up the engine bay a lil bit, changed the pcv hose even though the dealership told my gf she didn't need to by checking her vin. when i felt behind the engine i could feel a ruptured hose... with a hole in it. good thing i checked.
next up: trans fluid exchange and maybe gargage vary urethane lip X_X

[Joey]

I did the spark plug job a couple weeks ago on my 04. The job was easily handled from the posts that contributors like Bubba made. It was really quite easy. THANK YOU!

[CajunKen]

New to the group. Great information!

MY PROBLEM: 02 MPV has 130,000 miles, and just faithfully completed 5000+ mi. vacation journey with family. No problems at all, even with desert and mountain driving.

As a reward, got a full detail done. When I picked it up and got on the highway, much hesitation and rough running, and CEL light began flashing. Got home and popped the hood, and the engine compartment sparkled. I assume that something got wet that wasn't supposed to when they cleaned it, causing the problem.

Let it sit for a day. Then disconnected the battery, pushed brake, to do a reset. No change. Any idea if this could "go away" on its own?

After reading this section, I am 90% convinced that I am looking at having to replace coils and/or plugs, but am wondering if ALL need to be replaced or just rear. After all, it was running just fine until this.

Any advice appreciated.

[Jipster]

You can get the code read at Autozone for free. Should tell you which coil is bad. Could be either front or back.

After mine sat for a day and dried out, it started and ran fine. Though you don't want to be out on the road and have it start raining on you... could put you in a bad situation. Coil #5 was replaced at dealership.

[Jipster]

Had coil #6 replaced at dealership today for free when asked for goodwill. See "Rough Running...Bad PVC hose?" topic for more info. Deaership did admit they've had a lot of problems with the coils. If you think you have a bad coil, may be worth it to ask for goodwill from dealership. May save the do it yourself'er some time and money.

[CajunKen]

After getting a P0302 code back, and much reading here, I replaced all three back coils and all six spark plugs on my 02. Don't know about the #1 and #3 coils, but the back plugs were certainly in bad need of replacement. Got it all back together and feeling proud of myself..... then started her up.

EXTREMELY rough running at idle, and when in gear almost bucks like a bronco. At higher RPM and on highway - seems to run much better. Let it go for a couple of days, then DW got another CEL. Just had code pullled, and it is P0106 which is MAP or MAF/VAF sensors.

Any idea of something I could have done/not done when reassembling that could cause this? Pics would be great if there are things to check, since I have no idea where any of these sensors are or what they look like..

Thanks.

[savedsol]

Sounds like a vacuum leak or a damaged MAF sensor.

[iggyES]

Great how-to and glad I found it! The DW 04 ES threw a P0300 and P0306 on Friday night while it was raining. Now that it has dried out the CEL light is off and the van is running ok.....

Considering my mechanic quoted me $687 + tax for coils/plugs/labor I am leaning towards printing this out and doing it myself this weekend. But first, a few questions.

Should I get a diagnostics check done first?

The MPV currently has 66k so should I change all 6 coils and plugs or only cyl 6 coil and all plugs?

I might have missed it, but what is the gap for the plugs?

Any other advice or tips wont be turned away either.

[savedsol]

Gap will be determined by what plugs you buy. When you buy them they should tell you. If you already know the codes what more diagnostic checking do you need?

I'll be doing this in a few weeks with you.

[iggyES]

I plan on buying NGK plugs (read it is better to stick with OEM).

Codes were read at autozone by a handheld....I just thought a more comprehensive check might be a benefit. In case their are some other issues other than plugs/coils?

[savedsol]

If there's a problem there's a code. The dealer won't do much else for you except charge you a $90 diagnostic fee.

[Jipster]

With the mis-fire happening in the rain, and it is running fine now since being dried out... I would say 99.99% sure it is a coil.

[iggyES]

[shotime]

>>>>>>> As a reward, got a full detail done. When I picked it up and got on the highway, much hesitation and rough running, and CEL light began flashing. Got home and popped the hood, and the engine compartment sparkled. I assume that something got wet that wasn't supposed to when they cleaned it, causing the problem. <<<<<<<<<<<<<

It's possible that the plugs and plug connector got wet. When they do, they can short, causing misfiring. It may dry by itself after driving a while, but I don't know if that would cause damage. This happened to my other car - that why I never spray down an engine anymore - just wipe.

So, you might want to make sure the sparkplug and cable are dry.

[iggyES]

Well, the intake mani is almost off. I just have a quick question. While I was trying to remove the P/S hose bracket from the back of the manifold the bolt broke while I was torquing it which also led to the bracket itself breaking.

What are the possible ramifications of not having the P/S hose in this bracket? I could always ziptie it for the time being and replace it later.....

Now back to the action......

**edit**

Ok, finished up right before 2pm so total time was about 4.5 hours. Not too bad, thanks to bubba and his awesome how-to!!! Time involved also included the coolant flush. Guess I didn't have to do it, since I left the coolant hoses attached to the throttle body but at 66k, it needed to be done regardless. lol

I also left the PCV hose attached and just worked around the intake mani for the back 3 cylinders which actually wasn't as bad as I thought. The P/S bracket that I thought broke earlier did not. Upon closer inspection it simply fell off after the head of the bolt broke off.

I had another minor mishap when I dropped the metal gasket for the EGR valve as I was trying to re-install it. After twisting my arm up almost up to the elbow between the throttle body and egr through various hoses, I can def. say DON'T DROP THIS!!! That said I purchased a telesoping magnet at Autozone this afternoon.

Thanks again Bubba!!!