Check Engine Light

valle1018 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-04, 02:24 PM

My 97 Catera hasn't been running normal the last week or so. My "CEL" came on.
I assumed that meant it had to do something w/ vaccum but than it started blinking occasionally. Reading my manual it states that if it blinks it could be something w/ the fuel system. The motor stutters at around 500 rpm's and also when it gets around 2000 rpm's. It runs smoothly if not in those rpm's. Any idea what this could be? Will changing my fuel filter fix the problem?

**Vesicant** · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-04, 11:27 AM

Your best bet is to get the car scanned for codes and not guess what it could be.

valle1018 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-04, 06:24 PM

I took my car into a AutoZone and got the following codes:
P0300 - random cylinder misfire
P0301 - cylinder 1 misfire
P0304 - cylinder 4 misfire
P0306 - cylinder 6 misfire

They told me to start w/ changing the spark plugs.
Is this what I should do? Should I do something else?

**Vesicant** · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-04, 09:34 PM

Yeah change the sparkplugs and wires.. on all cylinders. Then we'll go from there if it still happens.

Note: If you find oil around the sparkplug wire jackets that connect to the plugs, then you need new valvegaskets and those are the reason why . They are destroying your sparkplugs.

valle1018 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-04, 10:34 AM

I am changing my spark plugs today. What should my gap be on the plugs?
Do the new ones usually come pre-gapped?

valle1018 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-05-04, 11:19 AM

Just removed the spark plug wire for cylinder # 1. As I removed it oil did go down
into the sprakplug housing. Is that not normal? Are you saying that I will need to change my valve gaskets because of this?

Just replaced all spark plugs w/ new ones. It didn't fix my problem.

Now I guess I replace my wires. Would this be my next step?
Also, I been reading a lot about the recalls these car had on some timing issues.
That wouldn't be my problem, right? I am assuming that it's not since my codes
didn't read as that being my problem. Please, someone help??
I asked Autozone for princing on new wires. They want 250 bucks for the set.
Anywhere else I can check for better pricing?

valle1018 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-07-04, 06:31 PM

Well I am changing my valve cover gaskets this weekend. The question I have is since my spark plug wires, the end that connec to the actual spark plug, have been soaked
in motor oil will I need to replace them? Also, I did replace the spark plugs w/ new ones but I have been driving the car since. Will I need to replace them again since they probably have oil on them?

**Vesicant** · #8 (**permalink**) 07-07-04, 06:54 PM

Its hard to tell, id say replace them. Since youve been driving, when you go to take off the covers, check to see if any more oil has seeped in there. If there hasnt been any, then your ok. But if there is; then you should repalce them again if they dont work.

valle1018 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-07-04, 06:58 PM

Are you saying to replace my spark plugs or my spark plug wires?

mastertech · #10 (**permalink**) 07-09-04, 01:51 PM

You need both coil packs on your engine-- there are no spark plug wires on the Catera, and the coils are susceptible to water intrusion. Very common problem on the Catera.

**Vesicant** · #11 (**permalink**) 07-09-04, 02:07 PM

Damn me- donno why i was thinking the older cateras didnt have coils.. when they do. Blah :disappoin They do have wires, even the COP ones.. (99 and up)

Sorry, im the only one on here who answers most of this and im bound to slip up one time or another.

valle1018 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-09-04, 02:34 PM

Cateras do have spark plug wires. I just bought a new set at NAPA auto parts.
They were around 150 bucks w/ taxes. That was the best price I got anywhere and they even had them in stock. I believe my wires were the cause of my misfiring.
I went to AutoZone to get my old wires tested. Well, the wires that went to my cylinders that were misfiring, 1,4,6, all were burned out. So, I hope this fixes my problem. I am still replacing my valve cover gaskets and resealing my oil cooler just as a precaution. Feel free to ask me any questions about this job.

valle1018 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-15-04, 03:38 PM

Well, I put everything together. It was running great. One problem, it wouldn't start back up when it got warm. As soon as it cooled down it would start right up. Well, I decided at that point I had to take everything apart again. I pulled my iginition coil to have it checked. When I pulled it off I noticed that the bottom of it was burned to a crisp almost. At that point I decided I was just going to buy a new one. I called the Cadi dealer just to see what they wanted for one and they something like 300 +. If anyone needs to purchase a new coil go to AutoZone or O'reilly's. They are about 100 bucks less. Anyways, I installed my new coil and assembled everything back. Finally, I fixed my misfiring problem.
It's also got more get up than before.

turbodog87 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-19-04, 10:56 PM

Also having misfire problem with 97 catera. No.3 & 6 cylinders. Also oil in the plug socket on 3 for sure. Will follow all same steps. Only question before I find out for myself- do cylinders 3 & 6 share same coil pack?