RAV4 ignition coil conundrum

[HawkeyeScott]

1998 RAV4, 105K. Doing ignition coils this weekend and appear to have just removed the 27-year-old originals. I have Wells coils from RockAuto ready to install.

When I pulled off the Toyota coils, the front one has 1-4 printed on it, and the back one has 2-3. This coincides with the way the plug wires were connected into the coils. (The RockAuto and Wells websites list only one part number for the application. It appears the user needs to buy two of the same part instead of two different parts.)

Here’s the issue: The Wells have 1-4 and 3-2 printed on them. The first part obviously aligns with the Toyota order but the second one, the rear coil, is reversed.

So, I’m a little stumped. Should I connect the plug wires back in the order they were (and assume this is some type of misprint), OR, follow the labels on the new coils and and connect the wires in different spots than before?

If different, why would the aftermarket be a different order than OE? I’m not smart enough for the world to throw my curveballs like this.

 

[ripcord]

Put the wires back in the order they were originally. The RAV4 has what's known as a waste spark system. That means when the coil fires, it always sparks both spark plugs connected to it so one cylinder gets an extra spark on the exhaust stroke. The label on the coil has zero impact on it's operation.

 

[BC1]

Why are you changing them? Make sure you keep the originals so you can put them back on when those new ones fail.

 

[eljefino]

Go with how they were originally. Electrically they will work the same if all the connections are in the same places. Chance that Wells uses that part for a number of applications, maybe the majority are reversed.

You CAN get weird side effects from wiring a waste spark ignition backwards.

 

[Chris142]

Why are you changing them? Make sure you keep the originals so you can put them back on when those new ones fail.

X2 considering that they are made by Wells

 

[RobbS]

Yeah, if it's truly tune up time for whatever reason, OEM coils are a no brainer if you plan to keep driving it, no matter the cost from the dealer or legit on-line store. My 2 cents.

 

[Mainia]

Order OEM from putting into "the google" "online discount oem toyota parts" and you will find large warehouses and Toyota dealers that will discount OEM parts by up to 25%. I always check for shipping prices to as some dealers will at $20 over the top of another seller.

 

[HawkeyeScott]

Thank you for the help. Much appreciated.