RTH: engine sputtering/throwing code, drivable but....

[College Cruiser]

So...... Not the tranny that has failed as was thought last week.... Seems it's in the engine. Worked fine yesterday so I drove down to meeting in Denver from foco. This morning upon start up it was very rough and cutting in/out. Also throwing an engine code now. Drivable but want to get opinion on whether to drive to auto parts store to get the code and start looking at coils etc, or whether to tow. Thoughts? Have to get back to foco today. Tow or drive?

 

[tahoejoe]

Give us the codes its throwing.
My guess would be coil.

 

[College Cruiser]

I do not have a reader. An option is running the auto parts store, I just need thoughts or the OK in your guys opinion on driving it in its current state? Much damage for running it ten or so miles?

 

[Pork Soda]

Sure sounds like a coil pack. mine did the same thing this morning. You can stay in lim mode, but Id definitely check it out ASAP.
I'm sure you've heard it before , but a code reader from walmart can sure save you a lot of money ad give peace of mind.

 

[Ali FJ80]

Is the check engine light on solid or flashing when you get on it. If its flashing its misfiring and probably a bad coil pack.

 

[spaber05]

Go get it checked, like everyone else has said it is probably a coil, but I'd go pull the code before heading out just to be safe.

 

[Ali FJ80]

Also, saw that your in Denver, I am close to cherry creek mall and have a code reader and a spare coil if need be. Feel free to pm me for my number if you cannot get things sorted.

 

[College Cruiser]

I appreciate that offer. I'm down in engle wood. I will definitely be buying a reader now, never have had the light come on. It was a solid engine light, but only just came on this morning after a few minutes of idling. Yet it had been shaky for a week now. I will get it read hopefully in an hour and report back. What gets into the cylindars when they are not firing and engine is being run? Gas combusting in cats or oil seeping in?

 

[Ali FJ80]

I am not sure but I think the unburnt gas is your only issue and you can get around a little but I would think if you tried to drive too long like back to foco you could kill your cat on that side. This is assuming you have a misfire due to a bad coil and not some other issue.

 

[College Cruiser]

RTH! In autozone lot trying to get at cylindar five. Under something that is connected to air box? Best ways to get at C5 coil pack? Just take everything off?

Ryan.

 

[Ali FJ80]

C5 is 3rd one in on the driver side. Should be nice and easy.

 

[College Cruiser]

I was told pass side. So its third from front DS?

 

[jgray]

@Ali FJ80 is correct - cylinder 5 is driver side @College Cruiser! Good luck! You should be back running strong shortly!

 

[College Cruiser]

Boot was torn all the way around. Guys here say spark was just hitting cylindar wall most likely. But the rubber boot is soaked w fuel. How does fuel get past the plug? We are pulling plug now.

 

[AimCOtaco]

Fuel there probably means a loose plug, which got fouled, which led to the error.

I'm in Longmont, did you get sorted out? Send me a PM if you're still battling and need a hand.

 

[College Cruiser]

All sorted. Had to boogie back to my meetings after finishing up at auto zone. Going to buy a much better socket set this weekend.
So.... Coil pack boot was torn (fuel and a spark did that?) and I replaced the spark plug because it probably needed it with all the fuel. Worked great getting me back up here though seems a little low on power/sluggish. No more hiccups. I appreciate all the help today and offers to come help me out. This is a great community of folks. Oh yeah.... Auto zone uses Mud.

Ryan E

 

[AimCOtaco]

Torn Distributor? Autoincorrect?

 

[College Cruiser]

iPhone tried hard to keep my spelling on topic. Edited.