Car won't start - think I need a coil pack?

[jennytree]

Hi All!

Be kind to the n00b

My car (1.6, '99) died last week as I was going for a drive. There were no odd noises, bangs or stutters. It'll turn over with no problems, but just won't start. I had a mechanic look at it and he is saying that I need to get a coil pack. Mazda Ireland are quoting €500+ for it ( ) so obviously I'm on the look out for a cheaper one.

I see there's one on mx5parts for about £150. I just don't want to fork out that much just incase that it's not whats causing the problem. I did a bit of googling and it does appear that these have been known to go in the mk2's.

Do I have any other options here? It appears that I have to get a specific one to the model/engine size of my car, does this sound right?

Any help is appreciated!

[leamyj]

Hi Jenny, if you let the forum know where you're located then maybe someone nearby will be able to assist in "loaning" you a pack for the purpose of problem elimination. Have a look through the "for sale" thread, there may be some contacts there for guys who are breaking 5's, they may have what you're looking for.There are also a number of salvage options on the net, sniffydog.co.uk comes to mind and traynors up north have been used by members in the past too.

Good luck

[Stig]

Hi Jenny,

Welcome to the forum, the coilpack apparently is somethnig that does go pop it seems and is very pricey, but not in the €500 region.
Heres one that may sort you -
http://www.autolinkmx5.com/coil-pack-mx ... 1070-p.asp
price in sterling, and then +vat and P&P

HTH's

O

[Steve]

That one isn't for a '99 tho Ollie Its a mk1 coil.

The one you need is a little more than 150sltg (thats the one for pre 99 cars, the mk1).
This is the one for a mk2 :
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info. ... cts_id/779

Yes, common problem. Easy to replace the coil (just disconnect the battery first).

Steve

[jennytree]

Thanks for the help and links!

I'm based in Dublin but I will travel to get it at this stage as I just want to get up and running again!

I'll leave it till Wednesday or so, then order from MX5 parts.

[sidewaysreilly]

send me a pm with contact details, we have proper spark testers which load up the coil and will verify if it is faulty.

[jennytree]

Sorry for not getting back to you Sideways, I'm still on the hunt! How exactly can you test if the coil pack is the problem?

I'm still hoping to get a cheaper one than the €300 one I have currently find. I just don't want to invest that much if it's not whats causing the problem!

[Stig]

That one isn't for a '99 tho Ollie Its a mk1 coil.

oppps, apols.

[Steve]

Jennytree, just a thought, have you changed your ignition cables recently?

[jennytree]

I haven't really done anything with the car since I got it in February Could the cables cause the same issue?

[Steve]

they could have contributed to carboning up your coil.

I'd take sidewaysreilly up on his offer.

[jennytree]

another one for ye all!

Is this something I could change myself? What precautions would I have to take before going for it?

[Steve]

yes, its 3 bolts. Disconnect the battery first.

[sidewaysreilly]

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Mazda-MX5-MX-5-1-6-L ... 2a025feeea

[jennytree]

Thanks a mill Sideways. Also, sorry for not getting back to you. I found a coil pack and had a mechanic put it in this morning but the car still isn't starting

He now thinks it's the immobiliser/electrics, and is getting another friend of his to take a look at it in the morning.

Very frustrating