Sputtering under acceleration with engine light?

Hi,

The idea that the check engine light flashed indicates it was misfiring at that point. That can be caused by several things, but since the check engine light remained on, there will be diagnostic trouble codes stored.

What we need to do first is check what codes are stored. You need a scan tool to do this.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

If you don't have access to a scan tool, most parts stores will do it free of charge for you. Have that done, record the codes stored, and let me know what they are.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

That is correct, a cylinder 1 misfire. It is hard to believe that it needs spark plugs already, but anything is possible.

In this case, I personally would remove the number 1 spark plug to check its condition. However, I suspect we may have a coil pack beginning to fail or the valve cover may have a leak and getting the coil wet. I say that because a spark plug is usually either good or not.

If you are comfortable doing it, here is what we need to try. We need to switch the coil packs between cylinders 1 and 2. The purpose is to determine if the coil pack is the issue. If the coil is failing, the misfire (P0301) will move to cylinder 2 (P0302). If you still have a misfire at cylinder1, then we need to check the spark plug.

I attached 3 pics below. The first two are the directions for removing the coils. They forgot to mention you need to remove a bolt. LOL In pic 3, I highlighted the bolts.

You only need to worry about cylinders 1 and 2. Cylinder 1 will be the one closest to the serpentine belt (front of the engine). Simply, remove the plastic cover from the top of the engine. Gently pull upward on it. I don't believe there are any bolts or screws holding it. It should snap into place.

Once that is removed, you will see the coil packs. Switch them and let me know what happens. Also, pay close attention to the rubber part of the coil that attaches to the spark plug. If it is wet with oil, that could also be the cause of the misfire.

Let me know if this helps, if you have other questions, or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

Replace the PCM? LOL Heavens no!!! As far as the info I sent, it is relevant to this vehicle as well.

Okay, since the misfire didn't change cylinders, then we know the coil is good. So, now we need to make sure the spark plug is good and that it has spark. I need you to check that for me.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know what you find. Also, please don't replace the PCM or reprogram it. I can't see how that could be the cause.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

If you have spark, that is good news. At this point, you need to have a live data scan tool connected to the OBD connector so you can see what is happening when this occurs. Since it is intermittent, that is what needs to be done to identify the issue.

Let me know if that is something you can do.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

Absolutely, it can affect drivability. Today's vehicles are very sensitive to voltage issues. As a result, sensors, or other components may not function properly.

I can't guarantee the battery is the cause, but it certainly can be a distributing factor.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

Hi,

That isn't good news. If we have spark and know the coil is good, we either have a sensor issue or an injector issue. At least that is my theory at this point.

Do you have a live data scan tool? I ask because we need to connect one and drive the vehicle while it is connected. Once it starts the issue, we need to check a few things. For example, what are the fuel trims when that happens, is the coolant temperature sensor providing accurate information, and so on?

Because this is intermittent, it is much more difficult to diagnose unless we can check things while they are happening or if we can retrieve freeze frame information via a scan tool providing that information.

Is that something you can get your hands on?

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

You could drive it to see what happens. It certainly wouldn't let us know.

As far as a scan tool, you can get one with live data for under $40.00. I attached a pic below from Amazon showing one.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

Prices have come down a lot over the years. The newest thing is reading the can-bus. CAN stand for controller area network. Basically, the different modules in vehicles today are tied together via a few wires and communicate with each other. This type of scanner can identify codes regardless of the module storing them.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe