Progress

iTrader: (26)

I started my car and it started and idled fine. Except at low RPMS the car sputters and shakes, kind of rumbling. I started revving it high and when it got to about 3500-4000 RPM the SES light came on and blinked. Then as I started cruising in 4th at about 40 MPH the light went off. I parked and started it again about 2 hours later and the symptoms remained the same except the SES light came on solid and stayed on. A lack of power was also felt.

I am supposed to drive home tomorrow (400 miles) and I'm worried it's going to break down. I'm suspecting the coils because it seems around the right mileage for them to go (50k). I'll only be home until Monday, do you think I can get the coils replaced over the weekend?

I might go to autozone to get the codes pulled.

ZIPPIN

iTrader: (32)

take her to autozone. if they pull P1320,,the coils need replaced. i had the exact same thing happen last night...oh BTW what she is doing is misfiring!!!

Progress

iTrader: (26)

I took it to autozone. They pulled P1320 and P0304 (misfiring in cyl 4). So it looks like its either both coils, possibly plugs (although less expensive and easier to replace so less of a worry to me).

My situation is that I'm supposed to be driving back home today and I figure I can get it fixed when I get back. Should I wait here to get it fixed? I have a warranty. How fast will it take the dealer to get the coils replaced? Do they have to send out for them?

Thorzdad

Unless they are unnusually well-stocked, they will probably have to have the coils shipped-in. Remind them there is a TSB for coils on your car, too.
Generally speaking, whenever your SES light blinks, you should head to the dealer asap.

RobertYaz

The light will flash with this whenever you're putting too much stress on the engine. You could do damage to the emissions system. Try to avoid hills and do not drive at highway speeds when the light is flashing - the full list of "Thou Shalt Not's" is in the user's manual. 400 miles is not adviseable. A dealer will probably be able to sell you coils for $60 each. It's a quick change yourself if you could squeeze the work in this morning.

Progress

iTrader: (26)

I just got off the phone with the dealership. I can bring the car in, except the earliest will be this afternoon. Apparently they have the coils, so if they run the diagnostic and replace the coils, I might be able to go home tomorrow.

RobertYaz

Just be careful for inflated labor charges. They should charge no more than one hour labor for this job including a test drive. All I had ever done mechanics-wise before this was change a battery, and I changed all six out in 30 minutes flat without the tools the dealer has to speed up the job.