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Old 09-08-2012, 08:23 AM   #1
wixy
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SP20 losing power, shuddering and cutting out

My 2001 SP20 auto has developed a problem.

It started a few months ago when the engine would randomly cut out. This would happen once or twice a week on average, and it could be started again and drive fine.

Then more recently, it will randomly (and instantaneously) lose power, shudder, and cut out if I don't keep the revs up. This happens maybe 20 minutes after first starting it in the morning.

It would usually kick back into life after a few minutes and drive fine, but this morning the problem persisted for 15 minutes until I got to work.

In the evening when I drive home from work, it drives fine (so far).

All I've done thus far is replace the spark plugs, which made no difference.

Any thoughts on what the problem might be?

Would really appreciate some advice!
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Old 09-08-2012, 08:27 AM   #2
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A few members have been having issues with their coil packs lately so I would start by checking them and your leads.
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Old 09-08-2012, 08:40 AM   #3
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Yeah, I'd say coil packs too mate.
Replace the leads too.
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Old 09-08-2012, 08:51 AM   #4
wixy
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Thanks for the advice guys. Coil packs are pretty expensive ($227 at Mazda, ~$120 at supercheap). Should I just buy one and swap it around until the problem disappears?

Also, the supercheap parts guide says there are only two coil packs for an SP20. How does this work?

Are new leads really necessary as well?
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Old 09-08-2012, 08:56 AM   #5
BG1.8sp
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Yep only 2 coil packs. Ask Mazda nicely they will do $180 per cool pack.
Otherwise ou can go aftermarket ones.

And one coil pack for 2cyl.

And they are both the same age and have both undergone the same usage... So if one is dieing... The other one will soon follow... So best to buy 2.

And I would buy new leads first. If the problem persists go buy coil packs.
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Old 09-08-2012, 09:32 AM   #6
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Don't forget to check the plastic hose between the air box and the throttle body as this is known to crack and cause issues.
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Old 09-08-2012, 09:34 AM   #7
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Yeh that too ^^
But I would be more leaning towards coil packs as it occurs after a period of time.
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Old 09-08-2012, 09:48 AM   #8
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I know all about it bud,yes it is your coils
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Old 09-08-2012, 10:05 AM   #9
ben carney
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Deffinately go coils, it won't hurt if you do anyway!
I had the same problem and changing the spark plugs was enough for mine!

Last edited by ben carney; 09-08-2012 at 10:08 AM.
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Old 13-08-2012, 01:40 PM   #10
wixy
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Changed one of the coil packs and all is good, thanks guys!
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Old 13-08-2012, 01:49 PM   #11
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That's good bud, i would of put 2 new coils in man

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Old 13-08-2012, 06:10 PM   #12
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you're playing with fire mate, literally
if that other coil fails (and that's soon, guaranteed), it will lead to irreversible damage to the cat, in the worst case, it will set it on fire!

replace BOTH coils, ALL of the leads, and ALL of the plugs as already said
don't be cheap
these parts are cheaper than a new cat!
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Old 14-08-2012, 09:48 AM   #13
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Yeah you got to do it right or get a bike
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Old 14-08-2012, 10:10 AM   #14
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Or get a dog when the cat is dead.
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Old 14-08-2012, 12:17 PM   #15
wixy
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Are there seriously any bad implications for not changing something that's working fine? I though ignition coils either work or they don't, and you just replace them when they stop working?
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Old 14-08-2012, 12:56 PM   #16
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consider that both have done same or similar k's ( perhaps the one thats working fine now was changed previously). They both would have simlar amounts of wear and if one has gone now the other wont be that far behind. its good practise to replace parts like these coil packs, brake discs etc in sets to keep them all fresh and reduce time and costs in later time. better to replace both now then having it arise again in the future costing more time and effort not to mention money

you might not have any problems and it might work for the rest of the time you have the car. we arent trying to spook you just warning that it might happen again and perhaps worse problems or issues will arise.
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Old 14-08-2012, 04:14 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wixy View Post
Are there seriously any bad implications for not changing something that's working fine? I though ignition coils either work or they don't, and you just replace them when they stop working?
they fail slowly, like how living things die of old age.... just fade away... but when they get so weak and die, they do so at an untimely manner that is just a major inconvenience

we're telling you to replace these things because we speak from experience... it'll save you lots of time and hassle by just doing what we advise
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Old 14-08-2012, 05:13 PM   #18
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ok so i agree with replacing both at the same time and we advise people to do so at work,, but i don't understand the saying of it'll cost you more in the long run if he dosen't yes it'll be an incovenemce but if the other coil does fail it's just going to do the same thing as it was doing, and then he'll just have to replace that one, it might even out live the new coil, just IMHO but yes i would replace both but it's not going to hurt if he dosen't
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Old 14-08-2012, 05:31 PM   #19
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it'll cost more in the long run because if the coils fail again, it will stuff up that cat for good, which costs MUCH more than the coils, leads, and plugs in total

already because of how badly the engine ran, the cat's life has been reduced... so any further abuse will definitely kill it if it's not bad already


it doesn't end there though... a misfiring engine will cause fuel to wash down in the "dead" cylinder, and the fuel mixing with oil will thin it out, which takes away the lubricating properties/engine protection and cause additional engine wear... then going one step further, increased piston ring wear because of reduced lubrication
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Old 22-08-2012, 07:21 PM   #20
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Im had the exact same problem, and it fried both my cats (there is one below the Manifold, and one behind the gearbox). it collapsed the first one and clogged up the second, a $1600 excersize.
i had this fixed and both coils replaced 2 days ago, then this arvo when driving along one of the new coils blew (visibly bulged and cracked). what would be causing them to blow???
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