Fixing misfire problem - Holden VZ Alloytec - Replace coil pack / access spark plugs - Commodore

In this video, I diagnose a misfiring problem I have in my 2005 Holden VZ Crewman with the 3.6L V6 Alloytec engine.
00:00 - Introduction
01:56 - Engine startup (hear misfire)
04:19 - Removal of plastic trims
05:40 - Isolating problem coil pack
10:24 - How to remove coil pack cable
12:49 - Disconnection of hoses and cables
17:32 - Remove air intake
22:45 - Replacing faulty coil pack
26:32 - Removing old intake manifold gasket & cleaning
33:55 - Install new intake manifold gaskets
35:28 - Reinstall intake manifold
42:00 - Restarting the car
The problem is traced to a suspected faulty coil pack, so I go through and replace it having to remove the upper intake manifold to access the coil pack.
This is the biggest mechanical job I have ever undertaken on any car I have owned, and I certainly am not a mechanic, so this video was created to maybe help anybody else who is stuck with a similar problem. Pretty much all of these procedures can be used for other tasks like replacing spark plugs and the like.
There are other videos out there describing this procedure, but I've tried to make this one as detailed as possible for the noobs like me out there including showing simple things like how to actually pull the plug off a coil pack!
I know I probably get things wrong, and say the wrong terms and miss things here and there, but for a first time, it still worked!

[@pimpedoutstereos9747]

Thankyou for showing how to unclip the coil packs. I couldn’t find out how to do it til I came across ur video. I didn’t wanna bust the clips so I thought I’d find out first

[@tipenemason8421]

I really appreciate this! I've got a Holden VZ commodore 3.6L V6 Alloytec engine doing the same thing. The fact that you showed how to unclip the coil, mate, top bloke. Awesome video!

[@alandy934]

Awesome video mate. That is by far the best KZbin demonstration of this I've seen. How to diagnose the faulty coil, to buying the correct coil for the motor to fully demonstrating the most fun part which is removing and replacing the manifold. I've replaced my faulty coil and the old girl now runs great again. Cheers fellas :)

[@MrNetAble]

Thanx Mate! Saved me my arm and a leg. )) Done the same on Holden Rodeo 2007 V6 in 2 hours after watching your video. God knows how long would of take me to work out how to unclip those coils without your video.

[@fourKeeps2020]

Thanks bud! I wasn't sure id be able to pull this off my self so I watched your video and saw it was doable. Thanks guy. Your a legend.

[@danielmackey6791]

Mate thank you for your time and video it has now given me the confidence to do it myself

[@djmobn]

Been stressing out about coils and car but thank you heaps first vz no help or support in life so you and your video are very much appreciated 🙏 thank you kind sir

[@mohammadalali8687]

The owner of the channel... Thank you so much for coming, and I have a kind of car with you and I'm really a fan of mechanics rings.

[@ABJ-PRODUCTIONS23]

Only video I could find with an actual explanation on how to take the wires off and not just a explanation also video to prove it thanks heaps

[@raymondshort7831]

Thanks very much, I have been looking for over an hour to see how to disconnect the coil connectors. I have an Alfa Romeo 3.2 V6 I have been told they are the same motor as the commodore. Anyway it was great to see they do have the same connections and how to disconnect without my heavy hands damaging the connection. Cheers

[@jaykay6499]

This is the kind of stuff my dad or uncle should of helped me with but lucky we all got you to help us 👌🏼

[@beyonecloseddoors]

Good video, I had what felt like a misfire at low revs, and a splutter on high revs. Changed the plugs and its all good. Lucky it already had the metal gaskets. Also changed the inlet o-ring and gasket on the radiator filler while I had the inlet off.

[@gordondunn3694]

Thanks bro I have a VZ crewman ad and is nothing on KZbin with Crewman as they are different due to having a full chassis and have some other different parts Very helpful

[@abhijitmane7333]

Very detailed, you are right couldn't find a video showing how to unplug the wiring for coil. Thank you

[@BoB-Dobbs_leaning-left]

2 Things. The OBD2 readout should have indicated which coil was faulty but perhaps that is only on the "pro" version of Torque. The other thing is after having taking off the plenum I would suggest that checking at least 1 plug would give you peace of mind as to whether the plugs were, in fact, new. otherwise fine... ;-)

[@vhvincenzo842]

Well explained, great video, thanks 👍

[@Axe_78]

You just saved me $$$$ Cheers mate 👍

[@lpme126]

Great video mate, good clear instructions. For the life of me I do not understand why companies like GM design an engine knowing full well the inlet plenum will have to be removed every time you want to change plugs or coil packs. It would not have taken much of a tweak in the design to give the clearance necessary to facilitate easy removal. I think this is important considering the all aluminium construction of the engine and the potential to strip out threads over time. In your case the coil was fairly consistently faulty, but in some cases the coil is intermittent which may take a few goes to narrow down which one is dropping out (especially with no error codes). Either that or you replace all six at once thus driving up cost. Anyhow, as I said good job on the video and thanks for the effort in putting it together.

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

thanks for the feedback, and i most certainly agree regarding the design comments, just makes what could be an easy 30 second job take much much longer.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

I think they do it so they gain more servicing revenue.

[@ianrawlings2546]

They could have at least used a metal gasket when the cars were made. Bastards know that changing plugs will destroy the shitty factory paper gasket.

[@PeterSteward]

Excellent detailed video and explanations, thank you

[@richardmcsweeney5291]

very helpful, mine was cylinder5 , obd scanner said misfire cylinder5, started engine, disconnected coil 5, no change in rough idling, num 5 coil can be removed without inlet manifold removal, i put a spark plug in the coil, reconnected coil power plug earthed spark plug to manifold, restarted engine, no spark from plug, new coil from repco, all fixed. thanks again

[@David-bz8qz]

Thanks.. About to attempt!

[@scottgehlken2330]

thanks very much just what i needed to know

[@TuronProspekta]

You've saved me an absolute motza mate, thanks so much for this. Legend...I owe you a beer

[@jessibrown8937]

Your a f legend cheers mate for this video

[@markmurray2377]

great vidieo by the way very explantitary

[@NatashaSm1th]

Wow that’s awesome thank you sir

[@bondisteve3617]

Thank you very much

[@darthphilfy]

Great tutorial video mate, definitely the most comprehensive and easy to follow one that I've found for not only diagnosing which coil is faulty, but then fixing the problem. Glad that you took the time to show how to remove the clips, very handy and the only example I've found explaining how that's done properly. I have added this video to my VZ folder in my personal KZbin account in case I need it again. Keep up the good work.

[@whydosentanynamework]

thanks for the video. I will try this my self in couple of days

[@vin6455]

GREAT VID MATE CHEERS

[@Wazza722]

Great video! Finally someone has showed how to remove the coil wires from there plugs! Did you think about putting on the mace 12mm manifold insulators?

[@waynelowe4340]

Great Job on that, You mentioned th t the car was advertised with new plugs yurt still had Factory tasked on it, Makes me question the plug change No big deal just observation

[@philzolth4710]

Brilliant that’ll save me some money ive already got my old ones that I’ve replaced before now they’re spares, the only trouble is if I put an old one back in it might be a bad one then id have to swap it for another one

[@adamplevey8385]

I know this is a bit late but you can remove the driver's side closest to fire wall and passenger side middle and closest to fire wall, without taking plenum off, so if you have plenum off, replace the three you can't do with new plugs/coils, and then play around with your spares on the ones you can do with it on.

[@liamm9400]

Great video mate. Very generous with your knowledge. I'll be tackling the coils and new plugs on my 2006 Rodeo with your video close by. I wanted to know how the cheaper coils faired? Would you recommend to spend the extra money or are the cheapies adequate. Thanks again for the video.

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

thanks for the comments mate, appreciate it. on the coils, more than 18 months later, so far so good with the cheapy replacement, although i did only do the one. at some stage i will replace the lot, and probably get a decent quality set, maybe not OEM, but a bit better than the cheapest.

[@helenellsworth9556]

So, my 07 VZ has a different coil? By the way, 🙏🙏🙏🙏 thank you for putting up a video in VZ Holden Commodore.

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

i can't remember at what point the different designed coils came in, but it's always worth just pulling one of the rear ones off (that you can access without removing the manifold) and checking the plug type to make sure you get the right one.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

20:15 ...in the future robot humanoid mechanics may be like this - with hopefully less labour time charge on the final bill. Thanks for the mace engineering manifold tip.

[@ozziefarmboy3569]

My wagon was firing on 5 cylinders but all we did was change the injecter and fixed it

[@OffGridInvestor]

The coil plugs are just like the ABS module plug on AU fords (99-02).

[@paul-57]

My VZ had a problem where it was running good until up to temp and then had a bad miss and no power between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm. Also terrible fuel economy. I also had no codes showing on Torque, a bit strange. Maybe a proper reader would get more info? I bought a set of coils, plugs and plenum gaskets on ebay for $160 and a set of injectors for around $60. I got a set of NGK platinum plugs on sale at Autobarn fro $70 because plugs are such a drama to change on these engines and I don't think cheap plugs are worth the trouble. Took me about 2 1/2 hours and it now runs a dream with much more power. I thought I might as well just change everything out as it is so cheap on ebay and I didn't want to have to keep chasing problems. I kept two of the old coils which I know are good in case I have a problem with any of the ebay coils.

[@mitebcool]

Wish i kept my VL

[@milkyway6724]

does vl have alloytec too?

[@peterk7377]

I noticed mine sort of misses under 3/4 acceleration between 2200-4000rpm But idling it doesn't miss. Just when it's under load.

[@zenuqs3739]

Hey mate do I need to Torque the inlet manifold bolts and if so how much thx would help as I need this for my vz wagon

[@schultzk1984]

What faut code tool/cable are you using? Ive heard there is mixed bag as to which ones are compatible with the VZ

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

I just got an el cheapo generic bluetooth OBDII reader from Ebay for like $11. Then I use an app called Torque (Lite) on the phone to read the codes. The lite version is free and it seems to work pretty well. I know there is the Tech2 readers that are around but they are quite expensive. They read pretty much everything, like SRS/airbag faults which the OBDII does not.

[@reapeseal]

Good video. What scan tool do you use for the VZ?. I have a 2004 VZ Ute and am looking for a scan tool that actually works 👍

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

just a cheapy bluetooth thingy off ebay. here's one similar to what i got: www.ebay.com.au/itm/2017-Mini-Auto-Car-ELM327-OBD2-ODBII-CAN-Bluetooth-Scanner-Tool-Torque-Android/152575250443 there's a whole stack of them on there, price varies wildly. note these things will NOT read or clear SRS codes/faults. they need the special $2k holden tool.

[@poogzie]

@@AussieMonsters-on-KZbin Hi just checked ur link the elm 327 dosent support holden, can i ask witch one u have would be appreciated

[@quintitaliano8692]

@@poogzie HI I purchased the following scan tool from e-bay- HHOBD ELM327 Car OBD2 OBDII Bluetooth CAN Scanner for TORQUE ANDROID LP works well on my 2005 VZ Berlina hopes this is of help.

[@TheRicky786786]

Hi like your video just like to know I like to change my no two cylinder ignition coil but don’t know which one is no do you know which one is no two cylinder in position thx

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

all the even number cylinders are on the right hand side as you are looking at the motor from the front, or the passenger side in this case. so no. 2 would be the first towards the front (the opposite side to the one i changed)

[@grahambate3384]

only replace the one needing replace. It did have codes, but U deleted them, correct?

[@mitebcool]

Mine just shakes in idle but doesnt seem to ping or miss when driving. Sometimes seems to have low power and hesitation when taking off with light accelerator. No mechanics seem to be able to figure out what it is. I have already replaced all coils plugs and injectors but i wouldn't rule these out as they could be faulty out of the box. No codes either, edit: i just did this unplug test and its not any of the coils. And the other notable symptom is it uses more fuel than before. Was always 11 per 100km or less but now more like 12-17

[@andrewkilner6195]

Mine is the same havnt found the problem yet Probably something top end in think Valves most likely. These engines as they get up in miles do tend to burn oil

[@DannyTopGear]

Same here, if u ever find a fix I would love to know what it is

[@leequinsee1727]

Mine does the same thing, I've been told it's most likely carbon build up on the pistons causing a misfire. Apparently spraying water into the intake with a spray bottle while running will clean off the carbon deposits. I have not tried it yet so I can't tell you if it works. Can anyone confirm this.

[@balatamzytamz742]

Has anyone figured it out yet just got my spark plugs done by mechanics about 3weeks ago , while in process of them changing my spark plugs they broke 2 of my coils, so they called and ask me to get other coils from supercheap and so I did, after it was done I picked it up and drove it and it started doing that 🔝 my car lost heaps of power,speed and now it doesn’t run like it used to but still running * but the miss problem when idle I did figure out So please if anyone found a solution to this please let me know, I just want the full power and speed back that these cars normally have

[@gatekeeper88]

10:43 same as trying to remove that fkn sensor clip from the air intake hose, had to leave it on when changing oil pressure sensor. Couldn't for the life of me figure out how to remove it without damaging it.

[@jonathanbonney6166]

Hi was wondering if the engine covers had nuts holding the cover down Cheers

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

On the black plastic covers, there are no nuts holding it down, it just "pops" on and off, if you have never taken them off before, they may be a bit stiff and require what seems like more than necessary force to pull them off the studs, but they should just come straight off

[@andrewkilner6195]

While your at it you if you haven't already fix the crappy PCV Valve on driver side valve / rocker cover the hole for the valve is a literal pin hole drill it out a few sizes bigger

[@scaredyet]

Is this a good thing to do?

[@andrewkilner6195]

@@scaredyet "yes" If you dont the engine will blow the timming chain cover seals As this tinny whole cloggs VERY quickly Here is a good video to explain the problem kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4KvgYhnhs1lpdE

[@epicguidez7922]

I was told if you don't undo the bottom and the top bolts, just the 4 long middle bolts you can access the coils without cracking your seal

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

i have heard and read the same thing, which I certainly did try to do initially, but i couldn't get the thing to budge one bit. so i went the full removal and gasket replacement way.

[@rodneymcmiles4453]

number 6 coil was fryed ichanged it still has a misfire put diagnostic tool on it cam up with earth fault on 246 injectors

[@waynejohn2567]

Mine only has 5 on top is that not normal?

[@mickeyharryful]

hi aussie monsters do yo not have to use gasket goo on the new steel plenium gaskets i,m about to take mine off and can see they have done that thanks bit of a pain if i have to renew the steel ones

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

no, apparently not. Everything i watched and read whilst researching the job last year showed that gasket sealant was NOT required (and in fact not recommended) with the metal gaskets. which is great as they can be reused.

[@liamm9400]

Great video mate. Just about to do mine on 2006 Rodeo and will be going step by step with your video. Very generous. I wanted to know how the cheap coil travelled? Is it worth spending extra money or does the cheapy go ok?

[@roskillboyz8880]

What is the Free App called ? is it Talk Light?

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

the app is called Torque Lite (there is a pro (paid) version and the lite (free) version).

[@markmurray2377]

what is you firing order for theses motor mine has a miss on number 6 according to fault code

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

no. 6 i believe would be the very rear on the right hand side (as looking at motor like in the video). changing this one should be a lot easier as you would not have to remove the intake manifold to get access. i think all the odd numbered cylinders are on the left, and the even numbers are on the right, starting from the front going to the back in numeric order.

[@thrita8349]

mark murray 2,4,6 from front to back on right and 1,3,5 on left front to back

[@SaltyCuntno1]

looking at the motor front on, top right hand side is the one you want

[@markcummings150]

Those thingys at 4:25 are called scrivets. Hate ‘em myself.

[@benbratko]

Can you clear Fault Codes from that app?

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

yes you can, i actually do this at 9:00 in the video, i pull the codes up and then clear them

[@bobburns7277]

You may regret not checking the condition of the plugs. In fact you would have been better off replacing the full set of coils and plugs. If the car has over 170k kms perhaps doing the rocker cover gaskets and cam actuator seals wouldn't be a bad idea .

[@quintitaliano8692]

I have noticed that you did not check the spark plug? You said that you purchased car 6/7 months ago and that previous owner told you that they recently replaced the spark plugs, however looking at the gaskets on the motor I would have to say that they are the original gaskets that have never been changed, why didn't they replace the gaskets. My point is always check plugs when removing upper manifold if you suspect faulty coil as it could be your plugs. Do not believe everything you are told if in doubt check.

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

100% get what you are saying here, and yes I did think about it seeing the gasket was original, but basically, I do intend to replace all coils and plugs very soon, this was just a stop-gap to get the car running better. If the problem was not rectified i would have gone further into checking the plugs obviously. There is apparently a way to lift the manifold and also lower section together so it doesn't break that gasket, but I couldn't work it out.

[@quintitaliano8692]

@@AussieMonsters-on-KZbin HI totally understand if you are intending to replace all coils and plugs soon, my only concern would be that after going to do all the work in removing the manifold ( why the Holden engineers did not design the air intake manifold so you did not have to remove it is beyond belief) you discover the problem still is there, you have to remove the manifold all over again to check and replace plug. Also this may be of help if you are still in the market to buy new coils. On e-bay the following seller as off 9/9/2019 ozyautopartsexpress, is selling full set 6 of original Bosch coils for the vz for $159 plus $15.99 postage total cost $174.99. these are brand new coils in original packaging. from Holden dealers expect to pay about $80 dollars each coil.

[@aberakadabra1285]

first thing take the little clips out , its pretty easy (did it off screen) fuck off ! them liitle clips are cunts of things when 9/10 of them don't screw out. good job dude ;)

[@druslocallawncare109]

what app is it

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

the app is called "Torque". there is a free version "Torque Lite" and a paid version

[@druslocallawncare109]

Thanks I’ll check it out

[@menatworklanddownunder3955]

For any one that knows or doesn’t do not get a 3.6 litre engine it’s the start of the really bad engine problems and they do not last my dad has a Crewe 3.8 the last of the good v6 motors because 3.8 has a steel Block when the 3.6 doesn’t so all I’m saying don’t get a Crewe with a 3.6 v6

[@AussieMonsters-on-Youtube]

this one has done 300,000km's so far....... It's the 2006 and onwards models that have the much documented timing chain issues, which is why I got this 05 model specifically.

[@menatworklanddownunder3955]

My dads is a 04 last of the good engine before they swaped the engine to 3.6

[@gordondunn3694]

If the mechanic done mate work they would’ve cost between $350 to $500 or even up to $750Mechanics!!! these days!!!!expect a wage the same as a politician specially here in Canberra!!!They always say I it’s a five hour job which is fucking bullshit

[@grahambate3384]

Coil pack? Lol

[@YoungGun.]

Great detailed tutorial. Maybe lay off the "Uming" maybe say "Okay or Right". That first 5 minutes of you talking was hard to listen too.