2001 XG300 Spark Plugs and the dealer

He's correct that they don't go bad very often, but I don't remember them being all that expensive (for coils). They're easy to replace as they're all on the front bank where you can get to them easily.

The coils range from $72 to $155 (for the Prenco) each.

or if you want the Prenco it's only $112 here:

>> So, I also realize now that these three coils have to come off to get

Does that apply to the Kia Amanti as well? I think they have the same engine.

Indeed. The trouble code indicates the misfiring cylinder (if the computer can detect that). Even without that information, as long as the engine is misfiring during diagnosis, it's fairly easy to performance test. If one of the coils is arcing, that should be visible. Otherwise, you can a coil as long as you have an old wire and two plugs. You can pull the coil and attach wire, putting one plug in the coil and one in the wire and laying both on the intake. Then start the engine and observe the spark intensity/capacity by gradually pulling one plug and then the other away from the intake watching how far it'll jump. You may want to wear insulating gloves when doing this.

Probably. I've never examined an Amanti, but I see no reason why it wouldn't use the same components for ignition.

hyundaitech,

You have definately gone above my pay grade. I'll change the plugs and wires, as soon as I get a torque wrench delivered from Amazon. I have everything else, and if there is still a problem, which there probably won't be, I'll bring the car into another dealer. Since, those coils are easier to get to than the back plugs, the charge shouldn't be too much. Although, I am intrigued by the possibility of diagnosing coils arcing. Unless, I just change one at a time.

Is ther a lubricant that has to go onto the threads of the plugs?

Alan

That shouldn't be necessary. I can recall exactly one instance (in 17 years) that I've had a serious issue getting plugs in/out of a Hyundai engine.

All right - Alan went and bought himself a torque wrench. Don't stop there Alan - you need to start drooling over a great big compressor, an impact gun, and most of all - a set of torches. You really can't do any meaningful kind of car repair without a hot wrench. Nothing says satisfaction like facing a stubborn, won't budge an inch bolt, and lighting up the torches...

BTW - just remember to always store your torque wrench at its lowest setting.

Mike,

The torque wrench never came from Amazon, it ships tomorrow. I actually need to do this today or tomorrow because I have a case in Trenton, 3 hours away, so I was going to buy one at Auto Barn. The guy there told me these things aren't that accurate anyway and snug should be enough. Besides, it was only $14.95 and it's not a "hot wrench." Why are you talking about a compressor? Seriously, I am attempting to do this and you are so condescending because I haven't done it 40 years. I don't think it takes rocket science to change six spark plugs and probably one of the easier things to do on a car and all I worry about is getting things put back the right way.

Many people attempt there own tax returns and screw things up for themselves. They never know if they did anything wrong until it is too late. I'll know if something is wrong as soon as I turn the key and if something is wrong, the AAA will tow the car to a gas station and they will finish it.

Not condescending at all Alan. I've been watching your efforts since you first brought up your problems and your concerns and have been encouraging you as you've treked your way through the world of DIY. Happy to see a guy step up to the task. At one point I indicated to you that I admire someone who throws his hand at finxing his own car in this day and age, as it can be quite daunting with today's cars. Most of us have grown through the evolution of cars and have had the advantage of embracing the technology in cars as it came along. That's an easier pill to swallow than jumping right in today, in your own driveway or garage.

As for the compressor or the torches - pure joking around in the manner of people who do their own work. There is this endless pursuit of more tools, as you do more and more on your own. It becomes something of a joking matter as we become tool junkies of sorts. Nothing at all intended to insult you or appear condescending.

You don't have to defend your decisions to do your own work here - that's a big part of what this group is about. Please take a second and re-read my earlier comments from the perspective of being included in a group of people that you are now joining, and hopefully you will see them to be inclusive comments, and not insulting comments.