Struggling Upon Acceleration

[Superman]

Originally Posted by cincybird98 Yeah sure. I got them from pep boys. They probably are sold at other places too though. I got just the standard OEM replacement because I have heard multiple times that the MSD is the same and sometimes worse than stock, all for more money. Install is very simple. Just uplug the wires from the coils and remember where they go. Then you will need a small socket (not sure on the size) to remove two bolts on each coil. Just install the new coils and reconnect all the wires correctly and you're good to go.

Sounds easy enough. You recall pricing? Ball park figure...

Originally Posted by AwsmGy I was having a similar issue recently with my car hesitating and then I found some oil on my MAF screen. My PCV valve was shot and replacing it fixed my problem. Maybe yours is bad as well?

Tell me more... directions you followed, or give me some, etc.

Thanks so far guys!

[AwsmGy]

Well, initially I thought the problem was caused due to a lack of tune for my exhaust so I ignored it for a while. But I was placing a grommet on my IAS sensor and that's when I found the oil leak. What I would do is simply pull back the air tubing from the MAF and see if you have the same problem. I would also just check the state of your PCV valve, mine was clearly messed up when I removed it. If you're not familiar with where it is, it's under a little diamond shaped plate that's on top of your engine; it will be labeled PCV and can be removed with a 10mm socket. You'll see a spring in there along with the PCV valve, just grab the spring and both should come right out. Mine was covered in oil and had looked like someone hit it with a hammer. If you want I can take pics and do a write up.

[Superman]

Originally Posted by AwsmGy Well, initially I thought the problem was caused due to a lack of tune for my exhaust so I ignored it for a while. But I was placing a grommet on my IAS sensor and that's when I found the oil leak. What I would do is simply pull back the air tubing from the MAF and see if you have the same problem. I would also just check the state of your PCV valve, mine was clearly messed up when I removed it. If you're not familiar with where it is, it's under a little diamond shaped plate that's on top of your engine; it will be labeled PCV and can be removed with a 10mm socket. You'll see a spring in there along with the PCV valve, just grab the spring and both should come right out. Mine was covered in oil and had looked like someone hit it with a hammer. If you want I can take pics and do a write up.

So what'd you do about the oil leak? You just replaced the valve and called it a day?
If you've got the time, pics/write up would be great (I'll add it to the Tech Articles section).

[AwsmGy]

Replacing the valve fixed the leak, I'll go and do it now while it's still light out.

[AwsmGy]

How to: Replace PCV in 3800

[Turn Blinker Fluid]

Sometimes I miss working on old cars. Soooo much easier to diagnose problems. I had a jeep cherokee once that did the same thing, turned out to be the fuel pump it's self. Don't know if it would be yor problem or even throw that specific code, but couldn't hurt to look it over.

[Superman]

Update.
I checked the PCV valve, and it was black and gunked up with idk what. I cleaned it off a little with a napkin and replaced it. Drove to AZ to get a replacement, and drove to work. Car ran fine until I got to the parking lot and it started running like shit.
I replaced the PCV valve with the new one and put in a new air filter.
After work, I turn on the car and it's idling rough. The drive home was scary, car did NOT want to move. Worse than before.
I managed to crawl to autozone and picked up 2 (they only had 2) of the 3 coilpacks. I guess I'll be doing these tomorrow.

Any other advice guys?

[cincybird98]

If the coil packs dont fix it, the next thing I would start looking at is the MAF sensor and fuel related stuff. The filter could be clogged and the pump itself could be going bad.

[Superman]

I wish it was throwing a more useful code to help figure where the problem is...
I'm just blindly throwing money at it now...

[cincybird98]

I'm really hoping the coil packs will fix it for you. I've driven two different Firebirds that sputtered and ran rough and both times, new coil packs fixed the problem. Also, judging by how many posts are made by missfire related stuff, it seems to be a common problem. Are you replacing them tomorrow?

[Superman]

Yeah, I've got work in the morning and then gotta help my gf find a new tire for her car (it's got a nail in the sidewall) then I can replace the packs on my car.
I sure hope that's it too.

[cincybird98]

Hey I just checked the socket size and you'll need a 7/32" socket and a pretty small wrench to remove the bolts for the coils.

[Superman]

Originally Posted by cincybird98 Hey I just checked the socket size and you'll need a 7/32" socket and a pretty small wrench to remove the bolts for the coils.

Yeah, I got a 5.5mm socket from vatozone. That's roughly the same.
I thought my wrench was small enough, but apparently it was not.
I had to buy a flexible extension drive, and a 2" skinny extender.
This car LOVES to nickle and dime me ANY way it can.

[Superman]

Update-
Replaced coils this afternoon and let the car idle for a few minutes. No issues there, so I took the car for a spirited drive around the surrounding streets around campus. Experimented with accelerating fast/hard, and slow/babying it. Perfect response regardless, and no problems at all.
Finger's crossed, this was the problem and it's now resolved!
Time will tell.
Thanks to everyone that posted for all the help!

[Turn Blinker Fluid]

Knock on wood, glad to hear that she's running good again.

[cincybird98]

Ha I knew it! Hopefully it will continue to run well for you.

[AwsmGy]

Good to hear, you've practically replaced your entire engine now!