Engine replacement - distributor vs. coil pack - 97 Tacoma 2.7L

An engine needs 3 things to run, Spark, Fuel, & Compression. If you have verified that you have spark at the plugs, and fuel is making it into the cylinder, and the engine has the proper amount of compression to run... these also have to happen in the correct time. Make sure your timing marks all line up.

The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6
Cyl #1 is front left when looking at engine front to back
left coil pack connects to cyls. 5-2
center coil pack connects to cyls. 3-6
right coil pack connects to cyls. 4-1
It doesn't matter which connector on the coil you use just that the cylinder is connected to the proper coil pack (the coil fires both plugs at the same time, twice per each full 4 stroke cycle)
1998 Chevrolet Lumina
3.1 liter V-6 VIN "M"

Well the 4 cyl engine uses a coil for each cylinder, and the 6 cyl uses one coil for all 6. Both systems use signals from the engine computer to fire the coils. So the RPM circuit would involve the engine computer. No distributor is used.

check engine oil,battery,distributor,wire connection,leak.

No distributor listed.
Looks like it uses two 4 cyl coil packs, one on each side of the engine.
Follow the plug wires - the module is part of the coil pack.
Could be a relay, or the pump.
You'll need to figure out if it is lack of spark or fuel to proceed.

Hi there:
Misfire #1 or #2 cyl means DTC P301 or P0302 fault code.

A code P0301 or P0302 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:Faulty spark plug or wireFaulty coil (pack)Faulty oxygen sensor(s)Faulty fuel injectorBurned exhaust valveFaulty catalytic converter(s)Running out of fuelPoor compressionDefective computerPossible Solutions

If there are no symptoms, the simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back.

If there are symptoms such as the engine is stumbling or hesitating, check all wiring and connectors that lead to the cylinders (i.e. spark plugs). Depending on how long the ignition components have been in the car, it may be a good idea to replace them as part of your regular maintenance schedule. I would suggest spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor (if applicable). Otherwise, check the coils (a.k.a. coil packs). In some cases, the catalytic converter has gone bad. If you smell rotten eggs in the exhaust, your cat converter needs to be replaced. I've also heard in other cases the problems were faulty fuel injectors.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.


Thank you for using FixYa.

Thats why you replace one at a time. The coil should be laid out in order, 1 2 3 4

On the V6 engine The drivers side plugs are easy although the passenger side will require you to remove the intake boot and the coil packs, easily done with a 10 mm socket and ratchet. Disconect the coil pack connectors by depressing the plastic clip and pulling them off one by one on the three coil packs . leave the plug wires attached and pull the coil pack straight up and off the spark plug.Blow out the area around the plug with compressed air to prevent debris from entering engine when the plugs are removed. Use a 5/8 spark plug socket and a 8 inch extension bar on your 3/8 ratchet at remove the plugs. use anti seize on the new plugs, gap the plugs to manufacturer specs and install your new plugs 2. If its a 4 cyl engine its actually a bit more difficult. The intake boot assembly has a bracket that bolts to the valve cover and side of the engine and you must remove it to access the 4 coil packs on top of the engine. once again the coil pack wires must be disconected and the coil packs un bolted and removed from the valve cover to access the plugs. Blow all dirt from around plug with compressed air to prevent foreign objects or dirt from entering the engine when you remove the spark plug , once again use a 3/8 ratchet and an extension with your 5/8 spark plug socket and remove plugs, use a small amount of anti seize compound on the threads of the nes plugs and gap them to manufacturer specs before installation. Also while the coil packs are off,, Inspect them for ARC Tracing a white residue and line may form on the coil pack Tip/boot if you see alot of ARC tracing Id suggest replacing that coil pack. Especially if you have a misfire condition.

the spark of the comes from the battery . there for the problem is in the coil.

P-0304 indicates number 4 cylinder misfire. Are you using Toyota parts dept spark plugs? More often than not, non-toyota plugs make the v-6s run poor, right out of the box....
Try this:With the engine running, pull the connector wire off of the #4 injector. Note to see if there is any change with the idle quality. No change? You may have a bad injector.