1997 Subaru Legacy can't find correct ignition coil

1997 SUBARU LEGACY
198,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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RUDEBOY1971
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Found that the ignition coil was shorting to the intake in moist cold air at a cold start. When I look at the coil for a 1997 Legacy Outback, it shows a coil with male connections and no 3 wire harness coming out. Mine has female spark plug cable connections and the 3 wire harness, also marked f-569. I ordered the coil for the 1996 legacy outback since it looked correct, but it doesn't work when installed. Didn't seem to hard, connect everything (5 connections) back the way they came off and off I go, right? No start or attempt to start. Looking on the Internet, I find reference to the one I have, the f-569, but haven't found a new replacement only used. Am I missing something, or does anyone know if there is an alternative part. Thanks!
Mar 8, 2014 at 8:58 PM
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KHLOW2008
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The problem is most likely due to bad spark plug wires instead of the ignition coil. New or used parts can be defective so you need to have it tested.
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Mar 9, 2014 at 5:21 AM
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RUDEBOY1971
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Well, the wires have about 15 k on them, and more important when I watched it at night in the dark you could see the spark jumping out from the middle of the coil to the intake. How would someone have the coil tested anyway?
Mar 9, 2014 at 9:10 AM
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KHLOW2008
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Coils are tested only when they are not firing but if it is sparks that is jumping, it is either due to improper seating of the plug wires or there is a break in them. If all spark wires ohms out at around 15k ohms, they are within specs. Check the tip of the plug wires for signs of oxidation, an indication that the plug wire is not having good contact.
Mar 12, 2014 at 8:49 AM