replaced plugs and...

[formspaceorder]

Hey P5'ers
I've got an '02 with 203k on it.
Just changed the plugs last night (no wires or coils) and I am a complete novice when it comes to working on cars (outside of changing oil and such).

Since replacing the plugs, I have had two instances of hesitation. I was on the highway at about 75mph, running just fine, and it had a short-lived hiccup that caused the check engine light to come on.
Any ideas?

I've had her since 35k and have never experienced something like this.

Thanks for any light you can shed.

 

[localkineguy]

can you be a little more descriptive of the hiccup? Engine stalled? Any smells? Sudden velocity jerk? Has it happened again?

 

[ProtoType5]

Did you check the gap on the plugs?

Other than that, check all electrical connections to plugs/wires/etc....That's all I got.

 

[slavrenz]

Get the check engine light read - go to any auto parts store and they'll do it for free.

 

[formspaceorder]

There weren't any smells and it didn't stall, but it definitely lost power for a brief few seconds. It has happened twice today, both at full speed on the highway. Gaps were all good and I used the NGK V-Power's that were the exact models that I pulled. I'm guessing that I may have to suck it up and invest in some new wires, but I will definitely take it in to a shop and have them read the codes before I do. If that doesn't do the trick, I will have to take it in to a shop, I suppose.

Thanks for all of the help!

 

[digitalslacker]

I get that hesitation every once and awhile. I get P300 multiple cylinder misfire codes when it happens.

 

[revird13]

in changing the plugs, you may have loosened a connection or hurt the wires in some other way. 203k on a set of wires is long imo. my understanding that wires wear out before the plugs do, generally speaking.

 

[localkineguy]

stupid question

how can a wire wear out? It's a wire...solid state metal. I've never heard of wires going bad until this forum.

 

[MaxPower]

Wires can go bad from the rubber insulation around them breaking down. This reduces the wires ability to maintain its high voltage.

My bet is a coil is going bad.

 

[MaxPower]

Wires can go bad from the rubber insulation around them breaking down. This reduces the wires ability to maintain its high voltage.

My bet is a coil is going bad.

 

[revird13]

how can a wire wear out? It's a wire...solid state metal. I've never heard of wires going bad until this forum.

simple google search, first results. read the last few sentences in the paragraph by the distributor...that will give you a starting point.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ignition-system.htm/printable

 

[revird13]

first 2 sentences....

http://www.rd.com/59050/article59050.html