Misfire on cylinder #2 and #5

Hey Tacoma World,

I’ve got a 98 Tacoma Pre Runner V6. The check engine light just came on. I had it diagnosed and the result was misfire on #2 and #5 cylinders. There are a couple older threads on here discussing the same problem but they don’t seem to have a conclusion. Any tips or advice before I start down similar path of plugs, wires, coil etc?

 

Your v6 uses waste spark, one coil for 2 cylinders, 2 and 5 are paired using a single ignition wire.

Start by inspecting the spark plugs and conditions of the wires. Toyota stamps production dates on the wires, if yours is original it will say "1997/8" on them. Original is bad and likely the problem.

If both are new or in good condition, simply swap the coil pack on cylinder #5 to #3 to see if the code moves, this will determine the coil is at fault.

 

Referencing the diagram, it makes me want to say it's either: one or both of the spark plugs not allowing spark to travel through the wire (damaged or not gaped properly), the coil itself is bad, the wire is bad, or the pigtail is bad (highly doubtful).

 

Swap coils and see if misfire code changes.

 

Hey Tacoma Crew,

Today I changed the coil, wires, and plugs. This seems to have fixed the issue. I’m not sure what the exact problem was. The plugs and wires looked good. If I had to guess it was the coil. Thanks for the input.

Merry Xmas.