Testing ignition coils on 2001 Echo

[ColinDowling]

What is the quickest/surest way (short of going to the mechanic!) to determine which (if any) of my ignition coils needs to be replaced?

We have already read codes pointing to a problem in the "evaporative emissions system" which led us to replacing the gas cap and spark plugs. After that, we reset the codes and drove for a short while. The check engine light came back on. My wife went and had the codes read and researched it while I was at work. She's pretty sure we need to replace one or more of the ignition coils (the #3, i think) but she misplaced the code print out, so I am going to have to get it re-read.

2 things - if it points to a specific cylinder, how are they numbered and how do I confirm that it is indeed a bad coil?

[ColinDowling]

Anyone?

[vic benson]

The sure fire way the check the coils is to disconnect one at a time. If the coil is firing ok and you disconnect it there will be a definite change in the way the engine runs. It will idle very badly. If you disconnect the coil that is faulty there will be no difference in the way the engine runs. The firing order is 1,3,4,2.

[vic benson]

According to the internet, When you stand at the front of the car, the cylinder to your far left is No. 1. No. 1 is the one closest to the alternator.

Vic

[Stevo_Echohb05]

The code for the coil only came on after changing the plugs, I'd check all your connections and if the plugs were installed correctly.

[vic benson]

Check the gap on the plugs, you may have accidently closed one when you were installing the plugs.

Vic

[ColinDowling]

Thanks, guys! Code was on and I already checked the gaps, it looks like something to do with the purge valve after all...