[jtferraro]

My 2008 OB XT (160K miles) has been throwing the CEL, Cruise Control, Sport Mode, & VDC lights coupled with rough idle. The CEL occasionally blinks too, but then goes back to simply remaining illuminated. The car is running generally rough, sometimes slightly rougher than other times, which is usually felt while stepping on the gas. I'm hoping it's just a coil pack (or the like), but wanted to get the question posted here before I call the dealer.

Thanks gang,

 

[Cotts]

What cel codes is it showing? Do you have code reader?

 

[jtferraro]

Unfortunately, I only have a VAG (VW/Audi) code reader. I do think my dad has a more generic one, so I'll see if I can borrow it.

Thanks

 

[Cotts]

You can find them pretty cheap at an auto parts store. Certain auto parts stores will read your codes for free as well.

 

[jtferraro]

Thanks. I will try to report back ASAP with the code(s). From my description, any ideas of the cause? I also can detect and increase in exhaust smell.

 

[Cotts]

I bet you have a misfire on a cylinder, leading to a rich exhaust smell. The codes will help sort it out.

 

[jtferraro]

Right, that's exactly what I'm thinking. I'll be connecting the code reader tomorrow and will report back my findings. Thanks for your help.

 

[jtferraro]

Just connected the code reader. The code is P0302, so likely the coilpack for cylinder #2, I believe.

 

[jtferraro]

Brought it to the dealership since it doesn't appear I can easily access the cylinder #2 to swap out the coilpack.

 

[Cotts]

Yeah, they're pretty tight in there. In my wrx, I have to remove a bunch of stuff to access them, battery, washer reservoir ect. It could also be a bad plug. How many miles on the plugs?

 

[jtferraro]

Good question re: how many miles are on the spark plugs. Car currently has 160K, but I'm not sure how long ago the plugs were replaced. I'd have to check the service receipts which are in the car, at the dealership. Suffice to assume the spark plugs are also hard to access, since they're in line with the coilpacks?

Thanks

 

[Cotts]

I'm curious, what did the dealer say was the problem?

 

[jtferraro]

They changed both the coilpack and spark plug on cylinder 2 but the problem persists. They claimed whomever last installed the spark plugs stripped the threads and that spark plug is not seating properly, so it's not making a good seal. Since the problem recently surfaced, and I haven't had the plugs changed lately, I'm very suspicious. Dealership wanted $2K to pull the engine, fix the threads issue and do compression and other tests, but said that may not resolve the problem if it's coming from inside the cylinder, in which they'd swap out the engine for $10K. Hah! I've since had the car towed to an independent garage.