I have two problems. I just replaced the spark plugs and knock sensor. The knock sensor code is now gone so I guess I'm done with that problem for now.
I still have the 0302 code for insufficent or excessive gas (EGR code). That is problem #1. What is causing this code? It went away for about two days after I cleared the codes. I had that code and the KS. Now the EGR is back. What should I do for this?
Problem #2 is related to the coil packs I think. I am experiencing a bump type of hit miss from the engine, primarilly noticable at idle. It doesn't happen all the time but sometimes its really bad. I have been reading the list for related problems and it sounds like it might be the coil packs. One posting mentioned they could see the sparks next to the coil packs in the dark. I tried it tonight and I can see something on the back three packs. Between the intake and coil pack, on the left side of each pack when looking at them from the front of the engine, you can see a intermediate light. I don't know if this is normal. Is there so much energy in these things that they actually create a little bit of spark appearing light or are they acutally arching between themselves and the intake? If all three of rear bank packs are going out at the same time I would think that the car would be running worse than it is but maybe I'm just starting to see the beginning of the problems. Is there any way to diagnose the coil packs? Should I replace all three of the rear bank or just do all of them? The front three don't apear to be arching.
By the way the car is a '96 SE auto with 196,000 miles and has been running pertty well.
What should I do?

 

autozone will check coil packs for free, you just need to 'set up an appointment', apparently.

 

Cool. I didn't know they could be checked. I'll take one up tomorrow. Do you know what to do about the code 0302?

 

no im not really sure, but just wait a little. the OGs of troubleshooting will chime in eventually

 

I had code 0302 pop up after I cleaned my TB. I just reset the ECU and it never came back. However, it might not be that easy. It could be the EGR solenoid (electrical) or the valve (mechanical).

You can check the coilpacks yourself with an ohm-meter.

 

If you have an 0302 code you could fix it by cleaning the intake manifold. Worth a try. Cost 2 cans of throttle body cleaner and a throttle body gasket. Thats how I fixed my code. It helps to have compressed air or a blower to blow out all the gunk once you spray 2 cans of cleaner into your IM.
1. Remove your throttle body
2. Spray in cleaner particularly in towards your egr flow tube. You are trying to clean out any carbon buildup in the egr tube. After cleaning, spray as much air as possible into the intake to blow out the excess cleaner.
3. Replace throttle body with new gasket and reset code.
I'm going to do this every 50k miles on my max. Also clean both sides of the throttle body before you reconnect.

 

Problem #1 - Take apart and clean the EGR passages.
Problem #2 - That bump in your idle is definately a coil pack issue. I had the same exact thing going on for just about a year. It was worse when it was hot, and I never really felt it while I was driving. I finally replaced all 6 coils and that slight miss in the idle went away.

One thing you might want to try with your coil packs is to take the stalk off the coil pack and clean the contact point on the coil pack where the spring sits. Some guys on here have had excellent results by doing that.

 

you're an asset to this forum. That fixed my rough idle too

 

I appreciate your help guys. I bought two cans of cleaner today and ordered the throttle body gasket. I'll remove and clean the throttle body when the gasket comes in. I should be able to reach the EGR valve from there so I'll check it too. I'll see what I can clean while I'm in the area.
I replaced one of the back three coild packs becasue I could only get one today. The other two are on order but wont be here until Tuesday. I would like to check them with the ohm meter but don't know how. Does anyone know how to check the coil packs with the meter. I asked the guy at the auto parts store how and he said if I can see it arching I don't need to check it - that it is deffinatly bad. Is that the consensus?
I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks again for the input.

BTW - I paid $65.00 ea for the coil packs with a life time warranty. They actually say NISSAN on them.