Well, the car started missfiring a few weeks ago and I just got around to "fixing" it. Now the missfire is back. My idle is VERY low, and at times it will just sit there going from 500rpm to 1000rpm and back. I have checked all vaccum lines, and they are all good. I also just changed an O2 sensor (the computer said it was throwing a code), and it fixed the idle for about 20 minutes. I was thinking the opti was crapping out, but the missfire is not constant. When the car starts, the idle is low....but drives fine. Then when I go about 2 miles down the road, the missfire developes. It starts out mild, then will go to crazy extremes (SES light flashing, car stumbling... all that good ****). Then maybe 15 seconds later.... it goes away.....like nothing happened. The idle will still be low, and sometimes it will die when i push the clutch in. Has anyone had anything like this happen to them? Any ideas on what it could be. I am trying to sell the car, and need to get this fixed ASAP.

TIA.

 

Over due for a tune up? Look for arcing spark plug wires. Look at the wires in the dark with the engine running.

 

About a year ago I put on MSD 8mm wires, along with new plugs. I certianly hope that they are not going bad so soon.....

 

If ya put platinum or any exotic metal plugs in it they will be worth checking as the exotic metal tips come off and leave a BIG plug gap that the opti can't fire.

 

Nope, went with AC Delco's. I am going to pull a couple of plugs just to see what they look like though. The car is also running EXTREMELY rich.

 

You need to have another scan. If the SES is flashing, then goes off, the code is still stored. Of course Autozone can pull codes, but don't do a complete scan, which is what you really need.

 

Is there anywhere that can do a complete scan? I am so anti-dealership its not funny.

 

Any independent garage should be able to do the scan. Maybe you have a buddy with a scan tool who would do it for free, as the garage will charge.

 

Check and make sure your water pump or hoses arnt leaking water onto the opti.

Also take off your coil wire clean it if needed and put it back on and make sure it clicks into place on the opti and coil