Big Problem (i hope not) - help!

[KentuckySHOoff]

alright about a month ago i bought a beater car so the SHO doesn't really get drove that much. well anyway 3 day ago i went out to start her up (do everyday) and it didn't rev at first and it was idling at about 500 rpm. it was running rough and wouldn't rev hardly at all. let her sit over night and tried it the next day, same thing. today i started her up and everything was normal so i drive her around the block. well tonight i went to wake up the beast and it was all fine again, then i got up the road and could tell that something was wrong and it started the same stuff from the previous days. i idled her home and parked her to come talk to you guys.

oh and it seems to have a strong gas smell when it is doing this. please help.

 

[Ishodu]

First thing I would suggest is to check to see if there are any codes stored. Then check plug wells for oil. Link in my sig for code checking.

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

okay i would get code 111 system good but the stored codes i am getting a 217 and that is primay circuit failure ignition coil 3. what should i do? the car runs alot like it does when it is doing the cylinder balance test, so does that mean i am losing a cylinder? i drove it to class today cause it seemed to be doing fine and on my way to a buddies apartment it started to do it all again.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

on the KOER test i was getting 411 and 538

 

[Ishodu]

You may have a bad coil. Maybe only showing symptoms when its hot or gets damp.

 

[Fourcats]

Sounds like JEALOUSY codes...

 

[LiLGhettoSmurf]

217 happened to my car also, and the same description also, some times it will be on sometimes it will be off, does it do it when the CE light is on? I replaced the coil pack on mine, but that wasn't it so im currently getting a new DIS module to try to see if that will fix it, ill keep you updated as to when I get the new one in and seetheir is a difference.

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

check engine light never comes on

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

where is the best place to get a coil pack from?

 

[LiLGhettoSmurf]

Your check engine light never comes on but you have CE codes? Any autoparts store.

 

[Ishodu]

Your check engine light never comes on but you have CE codes? Any autoparts store.

Not all trouble codes throw a CE light FYI.

 

[The Dude]

My 94' ATX is doing the same thing also. It has codes; 214 and 217. I'm interested in hearing what you discover. Keep posting.

 

[LiLGhettoSmurf]

Did not know that Ishodu

Seems like a common SHO problem, among this board atleast.

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

2marrow i am off so i will let you guys know something.

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

okay well i took the coil off and checked it and it is good. put it back on and cleared the codes and it was running just like new drove it all day yesterday and it never messed up. today drove it to defensive driving class and when i pulled out on the range it started to mess up again so i limped it home. i had another DIS in my toolbox so i put that on there. havent't had time to drive it yet again. but i blew up the grand am so i need to figure it out.

thanks

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

alright after changing the DIS i haven't had any problems with the SHO. and i also noticed that i had a light surge at idle that is now gone.

fan tastic.