Ignition Coils?

Question

I have a Renault Megane from 2001. For the fourth time, the ignition coils have failed. The previous 3 times were covered under warranty so I was not charged for replacements. This time I phoned Arnold Clark Renault and was told I'd have to pay £70 for a diagnostics test.

I am sure that the problem is the engine coils so don't think I need
the diagnostics test. Is this compulsory? Also, roughly how much would I be expected to pay to replace the coil? I am also due to have a service and MOT done within the next couple of weeks as well.

Do I have a leg to stand on if I say that there is obviously a fault
with their coils and I shouldn't have to pay for them to be fixed
AGAIN? They have never admitted to me there is a known problem with their coils.

Also, is it necessary to go to an authorized renault service centre to get the repairs done or can it be done at any local garage that might be cheaper?

Answer 1

Hi there,
These coils are very common in failing, they are very easy to diagnose too, the test should take no more than half an hour so where does the £70 come from? I would also add in their defence that other checks would be carried out to ensure that the fault was diagnosed properly. Livingston Autoparts 01506 433909 sell these coil packs for about £39 and take minutes to install.
There are 4 coils fitted to your car and the only way is to have the garage show you that it is not 1 of the newer coil packs that has failed, physically have them show that it is not a newer coil pack but the older unit which is failing. The diagnosis procedure involves removing injector connections which cut fuel supply to the cylinders and the change in engine note is easily noted diagnosing the fault quickly.
Contact me via email for further help if required.
You need to find yourself a good garage with good honest staff, however there are many garages out there willing to make 1 hit wonders/customers, You don't need to go near genuine dealers
Good Luck

Answer 2

If the coils are failing then I expect there is a fuse also failing. I have a sneaky suspicion the fault lies in the wiring harness in the form of a short to earth or to another wire.

You need to put this to the repair establishment and ask them if they think a search for a short would be in order, and you need to do it soon, because it is not unknown for a failed coil to spike the ECU as it fails and burn the ECU out.

if you shop around, coils are not all that expensive. Try German, French and Swedish. I'm sure they have a website at http://www.gsfcarparts.com.

Best of luck

Geordie

Answer 3

gfs is right in all he says its a common fault with these coils our local garage fits them at 1/2 the price of main dealer he uses a patern part and they dont give out like the renault ones