Thread: engine missing, codes aren't right!

I got a cylinder #3 misfire OBD code this past summer,was getting missing under acceleration with a jumpy tachometer, and I changed the coil pack, put in new spark plug but not the s.p. wire, because it looked okay. Problem went away....for a week.

I did the night time firefly visual test on the wires. No arcing, so I assume they are still good? Or is there no way to test them for good/bad?

Now I am getting missing for the first 20 seconds of cold start-up, and under acceleration, the dash flashed the service engine soon light 3 times and then stopped when I stopped provoking the problem.

Thanks for all your replies and troubleshooting advice.

Maybe try putting a new wire on it...just for S&G's

Update: I went to Advance auto, and did a spark plug wire test, which was to spray with a spray bottle over a running engine to see if the wires were arcing. No arcs!

No codes appearing at this point.

I get the smell of partially burned gas fumes coming into the cabin when I hop on the gas pedal 1/2 way or more.

Some other things come to mind, but I have no confirmation on if they are going bad or not:
How many of you have had to change out a crank position sensor or ECU ?

Crank sensor does not control fueling. and the pcm would not cause you to run rich, Hook a scanner up to the car and have someone take a look at it.

I have an OBD code scanner, and nothing comes up on it. I may try my "elm 327" USB interface that works with OBD for my laptop and see if any sensor starts acting up under load.

I have the scantool.net software that is considered freeware, but does anyone have the upgraded software with data logging and graphing? Which one, and how do you like it? I want to get a good diagnostic software platform.