Galaxy 2.3 Auto Petrol - Misfire?

[ar57]

Can anybody give me a good guess about a problem I developed with my Galaxy (1998 Ghia, 2.3 petrol). Suddenly the engine is missing a beat, noise and power wise. I thought one piston does not fire. I replaced the 4 spark plugs; witch did not solve the problem. I tried to disconnect the spark plugs, one by one and listen how the engine sounds. I think I identified cylinder 3 as the culprit. I tested and verified that the cable from the Ignition Coil to the plug is ok. What options do I left with? Could the actual Ignition Coil being faulty? It seems to serve two plugs (2 and 3). Can it be faulty only for one plug only? Or am I completely barking on the wrong tree?

Thank you for any advice or hint regarding this.

[simong2732]

I seem to be having the same problem with my 2.0 auto. I think its the coils. Did you resolve the problem. I may have to buy new ones but expensive if its not???!!!

[mikej]

It sounds like you have the earlier engine which i think came with two coils ? Can you not simply swap the coils around and see if the problem moves to another cylinder, this would answer your question wouldn't it, i am sure these earlier coil problems were common but i could be mistaken ? :)

[sparky Paul]

mikej is right, if you swap the coils and the problem moves with it, it's pretty conclusive evidence that the coil is kaput. These coils are prone to failure, but it would normally affect two cylinders as you suspect - however, the plug below the coil relies on a spring contact and that can give trouble.

 

If the problem stays on the same cylinder, then possible culprits could be a partially blocked injector, faulty injector wiring, or a compression issue. A compression test should tell you if there is a valve or bore problem.