So I went out to lunch today and going back to my dorm, I noticed my car was vibrating and 10 seconds later, the flashing SES light came on. Scanned the car for codes and it's throwing a P1800 and P0303 code. I looked up a tutorial on how to fix the P1800 code and it seems simple, however, I'm 2.5 hours away from home where my tools are. I have no idea if a coil pack needs to be replaced for cylinder 3 or just a spark plug since I don't have access to my tools, so I'm probably going to have to take my car to a shop and have them fix it. I'd like to order the parts ahead of time so I can save some money, so I'm just wondering if I should buy the coil pack and the VIAS or just the spark plug and VIAS?

 

I bought the valve sitting on the intake and some tubing cheap off ebay. Bought the Hitachi coil off Amazon. Not sure if aftermarket coils are ok or not. Neither problems returned. If you're in a bind you could try pulling the 2 piece coil apart, putting some dielectric bulb grease at the fitting, put everything back together. Maybe get lucky.

 

Aftermarket coils are not ok. Maxima'a's are also finiky about spark plugs. OEM for both.

 

You can test the coil by moving it to a different cylinder. If the code moves to that cylinder, then you know it's a bad coil. You can use Hitachi coils and not have any issues with them. Those are the only non oem coils i would use however. I put one in my car and it got rid of the p1320 code that it once had.

 

Yeah, I'm aware of moving coils to a different cylinder but I don't have to tools to do so and it's cylinder 3, which is located near the firewall side. I need the car to get fixed or else I can't return home for break, so I'm just going to cut my losses and take it to a shop. I plan on buying a new ignition coil and a spark plug along with the VIAS solenoid. BTW, does anyone know the part number for the VIAS and how much a shop would charge to install the parts I plan on buying?

EDIT: Should I also buy the intake manifold gasket set on 1Aauto? Apparently, those need to be replaced anytime you remove the intake manifold.

 

UPDATE: So the ignition coil in cylinder 3 failed and the previous owner never changed the spark plugs. $391 later, my car no longer has a cylinder misfire. And the VIAS issue went away according to the mechanic. I just wish I was home when it the issues arise so I could've saved myself some money ($155 labor total) but they offered a student discount since the shop was next to the school

Only things I have to consider in the future is to get a new EVAP canister (cracked, thanks Utica roads) and an EVAP vent valve. Anyone know if Dorman/ SMP/WVE products are good? RockAuto is selling the vent valve for $46.79 and the canister from $176 - $187

Dorman Vent valve

Standard Motor Products Intermotor EVAP Canister

WVE EVAP Canister

Dorman EVAP Canister

 

highway robbery

 

From the mechanic? I'd say so, but I really had no choice and needed the car fixed before spring break.

 

cheapo socket set and pliars