Hesitates and check engine light is on

The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.

I went to the local advance auto and it stated that cylinder 5 misfired. i replaced the spark plugs with acdelco rapidfire and the wires with autolite wires. but the check engine light is still flashing and it still is idling rough

You will have to look further for the cause of the misfire. Check the firing order, distributor cap, compression and fuel injector.