DB9 Ignition coil packs, 2 or 3 Pin??

[paulrog1]

Hi, I'm getting some parts together to replace the spark plugs&coil packs on my 2005 DB9 (registered in August) My question is although no one can tell me 100% for sure do you think my car has 2 pin or 3 pin ignition coils?? Thanks.
Paul.

[Fullmel]

If it's 3 pin coils there will be earthing wires on the back of the cylinder heads, just behind the dipstick.

[paulrog1]

That's great info, thanks very much.

[dkatwa]

I got the same issue ...2009 car...they don't know whether it's 2 or 3 pin until they get down to it....

I can't spell coil, so I will let AM change it at the next service...wish I was as handy as you are!

[3200gt]

A 2009 car will be 3 pin.
Before 2005 was 2 Pin, 2005 was either 2 or 3 pin (depending when it was built, not registered, 2006 onwards is 3 pin.

[Ken Figenus]

If there is any DIY job for the patient that will save a good few bob this is the one (plus plugs). Are you getting the OE source Denso coils or AM branded ones?

[paulrog1]

Ken Figenus said:

If there is any DIY job for the patient that will save a good few bob this is the one (plus plugs). Are you getting the OE source Denso coils or AM branded ones?

Hi Ken, You are exactly right, I'm trying to get 12 ignition coils on the cheap, I've got the 12 NGK sparkplugs for £50 and there's not much I can do about the £200 inlet manifold gaskets.

I have been in contact with Denso & BERU as these 2 companies seem to be the OEM manufactures, the 2 companies don't supply to direct to me, but BERU directed me to 2 UK suppliers, the first one doesn't stock it? the second directed me to another engine parts supplier who then quoted me £60 each!!

I would love to get hold of these cheaper, I feel like the 2 companies are ensuring I have no choice to go to an Aston Martin supplier, the cheapest I found was £55 each, including VAT.

I know I own an Aston Martin, I get the servicing done by a good independent to get a stamp in the book every year, but I'm happy to do the more complicated jobs as I'm an engineer myself, not vehicle trained but still very competent and able. But getting back to the cost I don't mind paying £55 each for the coils but I know at least one forum member received all 12 plus postage for £120 so I feel like I'm getting ripped off.

If anyone knows how to get these bloody coils cheaper please let me know!!

[Ken Figenus]

Yes VFM is always a valid quest! Try casting the net further afield - country of manufacture possibly and maybe post on some stateside forums who may know of more options. These coils fit other non 'Aston tax' vehicles but there might be subtle 'clipping in' or O ring differences though? I have about 3 years to work it out

[3200gt]

Denso had no problem supplying me direct, must have had a change of policy. You could try Alibaba, the far east version of ebay.

[3200gt]

Ken Figenus said:

Yes VFM is always a valid quest! Try casting the net further afield - country of manufacture possibly and maybe post on some stateside forums who may know of more options. These coils fit other non 'Aston tax' vehicles but there might be subtle 'clipping in' or O ring differences though? I have about 3 years to work it out

Toyota use them on some insignificant model but when I approached them in the UK they wanted the same as AM. Still if you've only got 4 cylinders its not quite such a pain.

[paulrog1]

Just posted online at 6 speed online and looked on Alibaba, a supplier is selling the 3 pin ones for $10 each, but I don't think they are Denso branded so not sure what your getting! can't find the 2 pin type.
I've also contacted some US suppliers of Denso products, maybe they can supply them.
Fingers crossed.

[3200gt]

Just musing. The difference between 2 and 3 pin I believe is 3 pin are earthed? what's to stopped you using a 3 pin in you car and running an earth to each.
(PS I've no idea if that would work, usual disclaimers apply!)

[Zuman]

Are you familiar with https://aston1936.com ?
The blogger has detailed descriptions and videos on a number of DB9 jobs, and completed a coil pack change earlier this month.
He's apologized for delaying his posting of the coil project, but he had to deal with a sagging headliner first. Nevertheless, his info is absolutely first class and will be worth waiting a couple of days for.

[paulrog1]

Yes, am familiar with that blog, very good information and yes waiting for his info on replacing his coils & sparkplugs, I think the first installment is coming out on Friday.

I have contacted him to ask if he did find cheaper coils but he has installed AM one's.

[paulrog1]

Right, some really interesting info.
Delphi DG-528 are the same coil as the AM 4G4E-12A366-AA 2-pin coil, you just need to reuse the rubber boots.
A forum member of 6speed online has said of the Delphi coil -

"After researching some more, the 2 pin DG-528 is the AM coil, just with a different boot. I took a coil CARAIBAM provided (thanks again) and a Delphi DG-528 equivilent to a friends shop and had him test both, the OHM'd the same and put out almost the same voltage (the one CARAIBAM provided was used). I am planning to replace mine once I get my car back from the body shop with the Delphi's"

So having a look on this US website which ships to the UK -

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/lincoln,2002,ls...

The DG-528 is £27.04 total with shipping is £353.18, saving of £317 if purchasing the AM coils.

So at last some good news.

Edited by paulrog1 on Thursday 21st July 17:54

Edited by paulrog1 on Thursday 21st July 18:23

[3200gt]

Good work sherlock.

[paulrog1]

OK, i've been looking more into this today.

The forum member from 6 speed online, randyb, told me the Delphi ignition coils (part no - GN10379) are working ok and fit in his 2005 DB9 (2-pin), and looking at a link he posted where he purchased them from in the US called RockAuto.com, the coils are from a Lincoln LS 3.0 V6. The coils from RockAuto.com cost £375 (£400 for the Denso one's) delivered to the UK, plus another £100 for customs so around £500 in total, that's only £170 less than the genuine AM one's are.

So even though I can spend £670 on coils, but i'd rather not, I looked to see if I can get them cheaper.

I looked on Wikipedia and the engine which the Lincoln LS 3.0 V6 uses is the Jaguar AJ-V6 (AJ30) which is a speacialised version of the Ford duratec V6, this engine was used in the Jag X type and S type, as these cars are popular in the UK I looked on eurocar parts and I found Haas coils for sale for £26.99 and I can collect from a local store. i've looked online and they look identical except for the boot.

So what I might do is order one from eurocar parts and compare it with a genuine AM coil, so does anyone have an old genuine AM coil they don't need anymore????

Please let me know if anyone has one and i'll pay for postage.

Thanks.

Edited by paulrog1 on Friday 22 July 18:28

[Ken Figenus]

You are going to get your own TV series! Columbo McCoil! Bravo!

[R129 300SL]

£21.90 from Carparts4less.

Same company as Eurocarparts

[paulrog1]

Yeah, thanks for that, I think i'll wait until eurocar parts have one of there 30% flash sales.

BTW, does anyone have an old ignition coil they don't need? (please read above)

Thanks.