Problems after spark plug change

[BlitzPuppet]

I have a 2004 3.4L Auto Impala with 114K miles that I just did a spark plug change on. I used ACDelco 41-101 plugs, and ACDelco 9726UU wires.

Initial startup was fine, and car continues to run fine on normal driving. Highway driving is where I sometimes notice an issue.

On the highway today for lunch I noticed the car was sort of...sputtering slightly, not much but enough to notice it physically.

I floored it from a roll on the highway at 40mph or so and was in 2nd or 3rd gear when the CEL started blinking but I did not notice anything other than the same sputter (if even, I don't really rememeber. There may have been no noticeable effects). I let off the gas and it continued to blink for 5 seconds or so before turning off and the sputtering disappeared.

I got off on my exit and floored it in first gear when I was under the highway and got up to 4K RPMs with no issue what so ever.

I need to take the car by an autozone to have the codes pulled as I am expecting a misfire code, but do these symptoms seem normal? Isn't this something that would follow throughout the band regardless of what gear I am in?

 

[cmorr]

I would check the wire routing and make sure all the boots are tight. Sounds like weak spark or arcing to ground. Usually you would hear/feel a miss at idle as well. If you can get in in a dark garage or wait until its dark you may see something. I had a caprice where the additional conductive plug heat shielding caused similar problem (arcing to ground)

 

[tdpark]

sounds like a misfire- blinking check engine can indicate a misfire

 

[getnpsi]

autozone lists the wrong plugs for the ford focus zx-3 DOHC. I gave my moms car a tune up and left town. the next day car was undriveable. Please make sure you got the same ones you took out.

 

[BlitzPuppet]

Originally Posted By: cmorr
I would check the wire routing and make sure all the boots are tight. Sounds like weak spark or arcing to ground. Usually you would hear/feel a miss at idle as well. If you can get in in a dark garage or wait until its dark you may see something. I had a caprice where the additional conductive plug heat shielding caused similar problem (arcing to ground)
Originally Posted By: getnpsi
autozone lists the wrong plugs for the ford focus zx-3 DOHC. I gave my moms car a tune up and left town. the next day car was undriveable. Please make sure you got the same ones you took out.


I bought these off of Amazon and verified they were correct before installing. I may also add that it did rain here today so we have high humidity (high of 86*F with 70+% humidity).

I have a feeling it's a connection/arcing that is going on as I've been driving the car for over a week since the change with no issue except for now.

 

[Gabe]

What is the CEL on for? Is it a single cylinder misfiring or multiple??

 

[mechtech2]

A plug, even new may be cracked. A wire may not be on right.

Codes would help, as would a manual inspection with an ohmmeter.

 

[KrisZ]

Why not eliminate the variables. Put on the old wires and see what happens.

This type of stuff is hardly ever the spark plug's fault and usually it's the wires that are faulty.

 

[BlitzPuppet]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Why not eliminate the variables. Put on the old wires and see what happens.

This type of stuff is hardly ever the spark plug's fault and usually it's the wires that are faulty.


Those wires were trashed as I had to fight to remove them. I'll get the specific cyl of the one that is misfiring and come back with my findings.

 

[cptbarkey]

i have definitely had junk new spark plugs, so if you have the old ones swap it out like others have said.

 

[Trav]

Tough plugs to get at on the rear bank.
I am thinking loose connection at the plug or a cracked plug.
Does this one use the metal shrouds around the plug?

 

[antiqueshell]

Check to make sure that the new wires are correctly seated on the plugs and distributor cap. Also check the dist cap itself it could have broken in the process of replacing the wires or have a crack in it that became larger as you worked on it.

If you can get to a Autozone they will read the code for free and tell you which plug is misfiring.

 

[oggb]

They still made cars with plug wires in 2004?

Daaaaaang...

Oh, wait, Chevy... nevermind.

 

[BlitzPuppet]

no metal shroud, just rubber.

A cracked plug would cause misfires all the time wouldn't it?

 

[Trav]

Usually but not 100% depending on the crack and its location. Stranger things have happened.

 

[BlitzPuppet]

Stopped by the auto parts store to have the system checked for codes. I was told that there was none. When I told the guy my engine light was flashing he said that was a "catalytic event" where my cat was most likely glowing red because there was too much unburnt fuel.

Basically saying its a misfire. I'll have to check it out this weekend and just drive easy for the time being.

 

[BlitzPuppet]

Found the problem and replaced it

.

Those back plugs are definitely a pain, most likely busted it when installing due to the universal joint buckling.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/f3v5fvlhu0kck0s/2012-12-09_15-55-15_882.jpg