Number one and four coil failure

Tiny
ROBINAFOR
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 650 MILES
Number 1 and 4 of coil is always having problem. I have changed coil more than four times by different mechanics. I observed a breakage on plug wire head and fixed it but it did not solve the problem. I observed that spark plugs from number 1 and 4 that are always failing are usually slightly soak with oil each I removed them for inspection. I need help please. I bought the car as a used car and the only major problem has been coil failure and its always from the number one and number four coil.
Sunday, January 20th, 2019 AT 2:03 AM

66 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Good morning,

It sounds like the oil is leaking from the valve cover seals and getting to the wire ends. that will force the coil to max output and will fail.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-valve-cover-gasket

Did none of the techs tell you about the oil leak?

Roy
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Sunday, January 20th, 2019 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
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None of the techs told me about this but I observed on my own that the spark plugs for number one and number four are always slightly wet with oil each time I remove them for inspection. The other two and three are only having slight dried carbon (I hope you get my point as I may not be using the right terms). I find your response useful, but what should I do to rectify this problem once and for all? Again, do you thing the problem could equally be connected to a faulty plug wire? Thanks for your prompt response. Kind regards.
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Sunday, January 20th, 2019 AT 11:47 PM
Tiny
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Yes, the plug wires are failing due to the oil in the well.

Replace the valve cover gasket with the seals.

Roy
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Sunday, January 20th, 2019 AT 11:56 PM
Tiny
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Do I need to change the coil, plug wires and spark plugs after replacing the valve cover gasket and the seal? And to add, I once personally observed current escaping from coil 1 to coil 4. The current from coil 1 was strong while the one from coil 4 was weak. I observed closely and noticed that there was a breakage on plug wire head 1 from where the current was escaping. I sealed it afterwards, anyway. I'm adding this extra information with the hope of helping you help me find a solution to the problem. Thanks again for your prompt response.
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Monday, January 21st, 2019 AT 3:06 AM
Tiny
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After the gasket is done, yes, I would replace the parts again as they are contaminated by the oil.

You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Monday, January 21st, 2019 AT 3:09 AM
Tiny
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Sir, should I exclusively key in to the valve cover gasket and seal replacement as a solution to the problem or is there another possible cause to the problem that I need to know about? Appreciate your great concern.
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Monday, January 21st, 2019 AT 4:17 AM
Tiny
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I am here and not there. I base my advice on your input.

From what you told me, I would replace the valve cover gasket and seals and also the coil and wires.

Roy
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Monday, January 21st, 2019 AT 4:20 AM
Tiny
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You've been quite helpful, Roy. I hope to let you know how I go with it. Kind regards.
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Monday, January 21st, 2019 AT 5:00 AM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Monday, January 21st, 2019 AT 5:04 AM
Tiny
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Hello Roy, I thought I should ask about something extra I just remembered. As I remember, the first two coil failure I experienced with the car were accompanied by fuel pump failure. Do you think this were simply coincidence or the coil failure triggered the fuel pump malfunction? Thanks.
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Friday, January 25th, 2019 AT 9:14 AM
Tiny
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That was a coincidence. A failing coil will not cause a fuel pump failure.

Roy
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Friday, January 25th, 2019 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
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Hello Roy,

it has been a while. I've fixed the coil, changed the plug wire and spark plugs. The car is working fine now. Will be observing the car closely to check for a re-occurrence (I do hope it doesn't occur again, though). Thanks and I'll always keep you updated.
Kind regards.
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Thursday, February 14th, 2019 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
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Forgot to mention that I replaced the valve cover gasket like you advised.
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Thursday, February 14th, 2019 AT 9:58 AM
Tiny
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Hello Roy. I thought I should let you know. After following your advice to fix the car I've not had a related reoccurrence. I'm still observing the car, however as using it for long without a reoccurrence will actually indicate a permanent solution to the problem. Once again, thanks. Kind regards.
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Wednesday, May 1st, 2019 AT 11:18 AM
Tiny
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Your welcome

Always glad to help

Roy
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Wednesday, May 1st, 2019 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
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Hello Roy,

Having used the car for this long without a recurrent issue, I've finally concluded that your solution to the problem was indeed a nib in the bud. I really appreciate this. However, a new problem has just surfaced and I hope you'll be of help.
The new problem is, car just stopped all of a sudden and wouldn't start but fans keep rolling. The first tech simply cleaned the spark plugs and replaced them then car started again but the same issue reoccurred after a while. Second tech changed the nozzle then car started but the same problem reoccurred. My observation is this, when the car stops, it restarts again much later even without any repair. I think the two techs are yet to get the real problem. I've checked to make sure the problem has nothing to do with the fueling system as the fuel pump is working fine. I need your help once again.
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Sunday, June 16th, 2019 AT 12:14 AM
Tiny
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To add to the above, the car stopped last night and wouldn't start. I left the car and went home afoot. The next morning I went back to the car and tried it again and it started without delay. I'm just not confident enough to take it out with my family with this sort of issue. Thanks.
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Sunday, June 16th, 2019 AT 12:17 AM
Tiny
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Hello again,

I would start by checking the actual fuel pressure when it will not start. Sounds like a fuel delivery issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Ry
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Sunday, June 16th, 2019 AT 4:08 AM
Tiny
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Thanks again for the reply. If you don't mind, might I add some more info about the problem. About the fuel pressure, the mechanic actually confirmed that the pressure was okay but not with the fuel pressure gauge you talked about. He merely loosened a hose and inspected the fuel supply and told me the pressure was okay. This was before I sent you this mail.
Just to let you know, the car starts normally. This morning I warmed it and it was okay. It started well. But, it's like after it has run for a while, say some miles, it shuts down and wouldn't start until much later. This is what I observed. I am still going to consider the fuel pressure issue ( I'm yet to see my tech). But I felt I should let you know about this other issues with the car perhaps you may have something more to add. Just saying, do you think it could be a sensor related problem?
Thanks for the attention.
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Monday, June 17th, 2019 AT 5:48 AM
Tiny
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That test was not accurate at all. You need a specific pressure and needs to be checked with a proper gauge.

Are there any codes?

He needs to do the correct diagnostic when it will not start.

Roy
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Monday, June 17th, 2019 AT 6:51 AM

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