Coil Packs and Idle

V8 EF Fairmont · 02-07-2009, 03:12 PM

A few weeks ago the missus got a new battery installed in the XR8. Since that time the idle has been really hit and miss in that it idles fine most of the time, however when you put it in neutral or park it will stall 80% of the time or idle really rough. Starting in neutral or park it idles fine. Just come back from the garage and the computer had an error code for the coil packs. Cleared the error and car went fine for a while then started playing up again. Does this mean I'm up for a new set of coils or could there be something else the problem? Is there any way in which I can rejuvinate the coils? I eventually want to put s decent set in, but can't afford to at the moment.

V8 EF Fairmont · 03-07-2009, 06:38 AM

Also does anyone know if the AU and EF coil packs are the same?

whiskers · 03-07-2009, 08:32 AM

I'm pretty sure that once the coil pack/s are gone that's it with them, as with the codes, not sure about that.

But i would hazard a guess that if the codes were cleared and the problem went away and then came back, I sure would be looking at the coils being stuffed and need replacing.

BillC · 03-07-2009, 10:58 AM

Look at IAC valve first and give that a good clean. There are about 100 posts in this forum that tells you how to do that. More than likely thats your problem.

RG · 03-07-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillC

Look at IAC valve first and give that a good clean. There are about 100 posts in this forum that tells you how to do that. More than likely thats your problem.

Not if a coil pack error code is coming up.

Time for new coil packs, they only have a lifespan of 80-100k anyway. MSD ones are cheaper and better, and no EF ones aren't the same as the EF ran a distributor.

V8 EF Fairmont · 03-07-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillC

Look at IAC valve first and give that a good clean. There are about 100 posts in this forum that tells you how to do that. More than likely thats your problem.

Yeah was my first port of call as I had this issue with previous models, however didn't fix the problem. Interesting that the issue didn't come about till the missus got the battery replaced. Hope they didn't fry anything....

Got some 2nd hand coils to throw in so hopefully that makes a difference. Over $600 for new ones!

RG · 03-07-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8 EF Fairmont

Yeah was my first port of call as I had this issue with previous models, however didn't fix the problem. Interesting that the issue didn't come about till the missus got the battery replaced. Hope they didn't fry anything....

Got some 2nd hand coils to throw in so hopefully that makes a difference. Over $600 for new ones!

$140 each for the MSD ones.

blueoval · 03-07-2009, 03:22 PM

I paid $100 on ebay for a brand new OEM unit.

RG · 03-07-2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

I paid $100 on ebay for a brand new OEM unit.

6's and 8's are different mate.

blueoval · 03-07-2009, 03:44 PM

oh ok. I'll go now

:

saber · 05-07-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RG

Not if a coil pack error code is coming up.

Time for new coil packs, they only have a lifespan of 80-100k anyway. MSD ones are cheaper and better, and no EF ones aren't the same as the EF ran a distributor.

Umm, I'm pretty sure the EF ran a coil pack, they switched back to a dizzy in the EL, then back to a coil pack for the AU.

But as RG said, get yourself some MSD coils. Your going to get bent over if you go to ford and buy the OEM part.

bodes-sh · 05-07-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saber

Umm, I'm pretty sure the EF ran a coil pack, they switched back to a dizzy in the EL, then back to a coil pack for the AU.

But as RG said, get yourself some MSD coils. Your going to get bent over if you go to ford and buy the OEM part.

i6 yes, v8 no

RG · 06-07-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saber

Umm, I'm pretty sure the EF ran a coil pack, they switched back to a dizzy in the EL, then back to a coil pack for the AU.

But as RG said, get yourself some MSD coils. Your going to get bent over if you go to ford and buy the OEM part.

This is for an XR8, the AU was the first V8 to run coil packs in place of the distributor.

You are correct for the I6 however.

**DJM83** · 06-07-2009, 10:51 AM

I know its different but have you tried an ECU reset? Same thing happened in my TE had the battery replaced, stalled when in neutral and sometimes had to drive with 2 feet aswell.

TX3VIL · 07-07-2009, 11:13 AM

where do i get some MSD packs from in melbourne and what's the part number for them? Do i need and specific leads to go with them? prefer to get msd leads too i guess. do u use 8mm or 10mm?

RG · 07-07-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX3VIL

where do i get some MSD packs from in melbourne and what's the part number for them? Do i need and specific leads to go with them? prefer to get msd leads too i guess. do u use 8mm or 10mm?

Leads can be had from Dave at A1 Performance, PM member BOTTLEDUP.

Coil packs can be had from anyone who uses Rocket to get their parts, there were a few sets on eBay recently so check there first as they were cheap. The part number is MSD8241 and obviously you need 2.

GK · 07-07-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM83

I know its different but have you tried an ECU reset? Same thing happened in my TE had the battery replaced, stalled when in neutral and sometimes had to drive with 2 feet aswell.

It will cost you nothing to do this and it's worth a try. Only 10 minutes work.

Resetting of AU ECU
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showpos...9&postcount=85

I agree it's probably the coil packs, especially with the code occurring, however, resetting the computer and cleaning the IAC/ISC valve will not hurt you, is a good thing to do every 3 or so months and does help the car to go better. You never know, it may sort the problem!

Give the TB a cleaning whilst you're at it.

Cleaning ISC Valve
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showpos...9&postcount=43

Cleaning Throttle Body
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showpos...2&postcount=48

All the best with it.

GK

V8 EF Fairmont · 08-07-2009, 06:50 AM

Yeah resetting the ECU worked for about 5 minutes, then it obviously relearnt the coil packs are stuffed. Got some coil packs to chuck in it over the next few days.

Also cleaned the ISC valve, no change. And the MAF, no change either.

Must be the coil packs...

GK · 08-07-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8 EF Fairmont

Yeah resetting the ECU worked for about 5 minutes, then it obviously relearnt the coil packs are stuffed. Got some coil packs to chuck in it over the next few days.

Also cleaned the ISC valve, no change. And the MAF, no change either.

Must be the coil packs...

It's good that you've followed a process, rather than just throwing money at what you may think is the problem. I hope the coil packs get it all sorted nicely.

All the very best with it.

GK

V8 EF Fairmont · 08-07-2009, 04:23 PM

Start with the cheapest and easiest, and work you way up through the dollars and difficulty from there!