I got back from a 2.5 week trip to Korea and my car was running like crap. Lumpy idle and acceleration, engine missing all over the place, throwing a check engine light, etc. I've got 47K miles so I figured it would be the spark plugs so I went it to take a look. Turns out my coils had gone to ****.





So I had to take an emergency trip to the local stealership to buy $620(!) of coils and sparks plugs... of which they gave me the wrong coils, and then only had 5 of the right ones in stock, and didn't tell me the parts number had changed (which caused me to install one, then un-install it) then told the overnight shipped one wasn't there the next day, then, finally, got all my parts in....

Long story short, this was by FAR the hardest plug/coil replacement I have EVER done (even with the mufflers out) and I now keep Suncoast's phone number on speed dial.

Anyone know what the normal life span is for the coils? There was no mention of changing them in the manual at this mileage, but mine look like they could/should have been replaced long ago.

 

Originals on my March 98 build and 70,000 miles.

 

I think it luck of the draw. I know I have had a Ford with coil packs that did not last 12k miles and a GM that went 78k?? I just know that can be a pain in the behind to troubleshoot.

 

yep, luck of the draw- for example, my tranny mount and fuel pump went out on my 02 996 with 34k miles on it, and it was the first time my local dealer had seen either of these on a relatively low-mileage car. Things just happen I guess. But I do have to admit your coil in the pic looks extremely worn!

 

Yea, those are the two worst ones I took pictures of, but 4 of them were either cracked or very close to cracking. I hope, for my sanity and my knuckle's sake, that I never have to do them again!

 

I had the same issue at about 55k miles on mine. With the exhaust manifold basically encircling them they're not leading the best life. Lot's of high temperatures and temperature cycling...

 

Looks like mine maybe a little better, I just went though the same issue. When I was accelerating my car actually lost half power and engine light came on.
Mine is an 2002 so they lasted me 6 years.

I can't believe that the dealer installed new spark plugs into these rusted things just last year. Not only could they have replaced them at that time. I wouldn't have ruined 6 plugs which should have lasted 2 years.

These are a wearable item, so plan on changing them again. My Cayenne S is an 04 and I've had to have them all replaced.

 

There is no recommended replacement interval on them. I would say just inspect them while you're doing plugs and go from there. I think how long they'll last depends on where you live. Out here in Phoenix this kind of thing isn't an issue.

 

Sorry to hear you had so much trouble.
VW and Audi (in the same family) both have these issues too. The difference is they are much easier to get to. I replaced mine on my VW 1.8 Turbo motor with a high performance model. Does anyone know if there is a company making them for Porsche? When I have to change mine I plan on trying to upgrade.