96 Corsica P301 code error
thomasrg79
01-15-2007, 05:28 PM
My check engine light started flashing so I bought a code reader. I also noticed it was idling rough. I got the code P301 and it stated that my #1 cylinder was mis-firing. I changed my plugs and wires, cleared the codes and still I am getting that code... Any suggestions to what the problem is?
jsgold
01-16-2007, 02:48 PM
Probably one of two things, an injector or, most likely a coil failing. I do not know what engine you have but on a 4 cyl you have two, a six cylinder you have three. They sit on top of your ignition module, which is flat and has 3 sets of plugs going to it. Your car is slightly different than our 91 either way but I just went through this and found the coils were the problem. The ignition system on our 91 puts out 25000 volts, and what I found was one coil was putting a strong spark about 2 inches one was about the same, slightly less, but one would hardly do 1/4". I have a small tool that is used for this but you can do this while engine is running if careful and pull off plug wire to your cylinder that is showing up missing. On mine the OBDI system does not show which cylinder is missing so I had to check all three. One coil controls 2 cylinders and they do go bad. I replaced all three on ours just this past weekend. A real pain on mine as it was under the front exhaust between the block and the radiator fan, but newer ones usually sit on top the motor on a 3.1, behind the motor on a 4 cylinder. Check fire on that cylinder and 1-2 others, then, if you see poor firing remove the entire DIS assembly, coils and module TOGETHER, do not try to remove coils first, the unit must be pulled complete. Should be three bolts, and 3 sets of wires. Then remove the coils and replace what is needed. If the car is firing OK on all cylinders you may have a bad injector. Please advise which engine and type of fuel injection so others can help out if my advice does not help. the coils are pretty cheap at 23 bucks to 45 bucks depending on what you buy. Most parts stores will offer a low end and a high end part.
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