Hyundai Repair: timing problems 03 Santa Fe, balance shaft, cylinder number

Question
I had a diagnostic stated cylinder #4 misfire.  Dealer suggested changing ignition coil might solve the problem. A friend of mine changed the plugs & wire. I unhooked the battery and the check engine light went off.  He suggested the timing belt is frayed causing the slight misfire in the engine, not the ignition coil. The vehicle has 71000 miles. Should I replace the ignition coil? Or do you think the timing belt is causing the misfire? I feel the engine "missing" when the car is idling at times. If the timing belt breaks will it screw up the engine?

Answer
I can say that if your misfire is only on cylinder number four, the timing belt is not causing your misfire.  A timing belt problem would affect all cylinders equally.  The ignition coil has a chance of fixing your problem.  

If your timing belt strips or breaks, engine damage is likely.  In most cases replacing the valves or cylinder head is necessary.  If you have the four cylinder engine, I strongly recommend replacing the timing and balance shaft belts right away.  I've seen numerous cases on this engine where the belt fails within close proximity of the 4 year/60,000 mile maintenance interval.