Engine only running on 2 cylinders

[gtcway]

Hi, I just found this site looking for help on a problem with a family member's Sportage. (2002 2.0L 4cyl.)
Here's what I know about the problem.

The engine is only running on two cylinders. The ignition coil closest to the front bumper isn't firring. He tried a new coil, nothing, swapped coils, nothing. He talked to a Kia mechanic who recommended changing the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor. New sensors installed, nothing.
I signed up for Mitchell 1 eAutoRepair - Do-it-Yourself Repair Information and found out that on the two wires going to the coil, one is from the ignition switch and should have B+ or 12-13 volts with the key on and running. Both have 12 volts with the key on but it's difficult to check while running, will do that tomorrow.
The other wire going to the coil is from the ecu/emm. We pulled the ecu out and checked the voltage going to the ignition coils with key on and while running. Both were B+ or 12 volts, which is correct according to the information on eautorepair. Tomorrow we are going to rig something so we can get access to check the voltage at the coils while the engine is running.

What we're thinking now is if the voltage is good going to the coils it needs a new ecu. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions? BTW, the car is in the Bahamas, so we can't really drive up to a Kia dealer to have it checked out

[shidapenz]

First check spark at spark plugs:-disconect plug lead and connect to another plug that is earthed, look for spark across electrode while cranking motor. Check cylinder compression gasket could be blown between two cylinders..Eliminate these first

[veraxmus]

sounds like one of you coil packs is u/s strip out the plugs and inspect this will tell you which cyls arny firing. do compression test [specs available on global service way] to comfirm head gasket ok renew the plugs and the defective coil pack, before buying the new coil check the terminals on the suspect coil for corrosion.

[marko96]

I had this problem of only running on two cylinders i also changed out the coil packs with known good ones it turned out to be two partialy blocked fuel injectors it might be worth a look.
Good luck.

[gtcway]

Thanks for the suggestions. There was no spark on the plugs from that coil.
It turned out to be a bad connection in the wiring harness between the ecu/emm and coil. It's working fine now.

[maverick5.0]

same here !!! now I use zip ties at the coil pack connectors. saw this trick at the drag pits in alabama long time ago