engine "sputtering" problem

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07-01-2002, 12:41 PM

JDM4LIFE

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engine "sputtering" problem

okay, i threw a trouble code about a month ago. it was an obd II code P0420 (there might've been an A on the end as well). nonetheless, it said there were low readings on the rear catalyst bank. the dealer said it's either a bad cat (i have the r/t cat), or i'm having some missing cylinders or some sort of engine problem (possible running rich/lean). my friend decided to put in some new spark plugs and a fuel filter and hope that maybe the fuel filter was clogged since i've had a bad habit of running my car on empty a few times. it turns out one of the boots at the end of an ignition coil was damaged when he tried pulling it out, so he tried putting it back in as is. now, when it gets hot, it's starting to just have rpm drops at random. the shop i usually go to is booked solid till the start of next week and i thought i'd probe on here for some answers. i'm trying to get a few parts places to respond back and see if i could just replace the boot and such on that cylinder and maybe just the ignition coil's boot is the only problem. anyone have a clue about this kind of situation? i've had the r/t cat for a good year and a half, maybe two. they aren't known to go bad, are they? i wouldn't suspect it at all except for the trouble code and how it sputters when it gets hot (thinking that the cat is obviously getting too hot because it's defective). help please!!!

07-01-2002, 12:52 PM

FLO_BOY

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Join Date: Mar 2001

Posts: 1,812

I've had somewhat similar issues...

but, does this ONLY happen when the car is warm?
I've tried just about everything, to no avail!!!

I think I've got a vaccuum leak, but, will let you know when I do...

-FLO_BOY

07-01-2002, 01:29 PM

JDM4LIFE

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thanks, i'm pretty sure it's not a vacuum leak, or at least i'm hoping not. i'm guessing, considering what's happened and such, that it's either the ignition coil boot or the cat...

07-02-2002, 01:44 AM

JDM4LIFE

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the problem just got a lot worse. on my way to work, it just started hesitating/sputtering the entire time. it threw a flashing CEL twice. i'll check it tomorrow. help please???

07-02-2002, 06:11 AM

FLO_BOY

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Posts: 1,812

Quote:

Originally posted by JDM4LIFE
the problem just got a lot worse. on my way to work, it just started hesitating/sputtering the entire time. it threw a flashing CEL twice. i'll check it tomorrow. help please???

A flashing CEL implies a misfire...when this happens, you HAVE to be careful as to how fast you drive...when I had this problem, it turned out that one of my injectors was stuck, and I had to replace it.

hope this helps...

-FLO_BOY