Corolla 2005 ZZE122R engine stutters

[zegarnek]

Hi,

I have corolla 2005 ZZE122R and I noticed that while idling (stop at lights, in traffic eg.) the engine stutters from time to time with uneven periods like every second - every 5 seconds then every two seconds. It seems like the engine is misfiring for short while - 1/2 second - and then runs well. I notice this for now only at idle. Would there be an indication what I might expect?

 

Thanks

[campbeam]

Based upon a past experience, I would be cleaning and re-gapping or replacing the spark plugs. If the misfiring continues then the next item for consideration would be the ignition leads/coils.

[zegarnek]

Thanks Ashley,

I suspect then that it is the latter the blasted coils- plugs were replaced fairly recently. It would be weird for the plugs to cause this.

 

Ok will check it. Thanks

 

Ciao

[campbeam]

Just remembered. Check the spark plug gap.

1 hour ago, zegarnek said:

plugs were replaced fairly recently

This may also be handy before parting with $$$ https://www.google.com.au/search?q=how+to+test+a+coil+pack&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&safe=active&gws_rd=cr&ei=GaZUWciyBoaZ8QW6zI-YBA

[trentmeyer23]

How old is the fuel filter?

[zegarnek]

4 hours ago, campbeam said:

Just remembered. Check the spark plug gap.

This may also be handy before parting with $$$ https://www.google.com.au/search?q=how+to+test+a+coil+pack&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&safe=active&gws_rd=cr&ei=GaZUWciyBoaZ8QW6zI-YBA

Ashley thanks for the coil test link. Very valuable and I have a decent meter to test it. Will do it this weekend. Of course nothing will cost me to check the spark plugs at the same time.

[zegarnek]

1 hour ago, trentmeyer23 said:

How old is the fuel filter?

Well I think the filter is old I mean old (original?). It is my daughter's so no info on that but if it is the one near the engine it might be good idea to replace it anyway.

 

[zegarnek]

Hi there.

 

Well... I got it right there. I removed each coil and one was the culprit. That coil (#3) had a crack in the rubber bit at the end of the coil and I could see clearly the sparks on their way created like a burn/evaporation spot. It was very small 2mm circumference and rather difficult to see. Initially I just placed some electric insulation tape to see if it works - it did. It stopped the chuckle (especially when I put the car in R or D from P).

The damage, well, could not have happened just like that because the rubber was ripped apart. I suspect a visit to (I can say now: doggy mechanic) workshop because it started a week or two after that. What a shame crap in 21 century!

The engine, after replaced coil, runs as a charm.

 

Thank you for help.

 

PS. First thing I did was to physically/visually check each coil (after suggestion from neighbour).

 

Ciao

 

[trentmeyer23]

20 hours ago, zegarnek said:

doggy mechanic

???