2001 GM misfiring - Parts store says it's a bad coil pack

[r2t]

My 2001 GM that has been sputtering/missing for the past year has gotten much worse lately. Finally a CEL came on so I took it to Auto Zone. They scanned it and said the #1 cylinder has a bad pack. Ok, makes sense. But before I buy a pack I have been reading up on the topic, some say it may not be the pack but water/AF in the well. Is this a possible option? I'll buy and replace if it's needed but is it worth checking prior to buying the pack? Mind you, I don't have another car so if I disassemble and then need it, I'll have to bike about 10 miles round trip to the store (also not a problem cuz I bike to work 14 miles most days)

Next question is how do I go about replacing the pack, I've never done one before on an ignition type like this... with the rail and all. I am sure I can do it with the good prior knowledge. Apparently #1 is front left. Car has about 90k on it.

Thx in advance.

[sxcpotatoes]

These cars, from '98 on are WELL-known for misfiring due to bad coil-packs. Just replace the coil pack. It's much more likely than anything else.

[sxcpotatoes]

http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/u...Number=2259797 Last post on the page. Go to it, son!

[r2t]

It would be my luck the CV site which I have been to before would give me an error here at work. (Interner Explorer issue) I'll check it when I get home. Thx dude!

[jaywish]

Do read the whole post and yes number 1 is at the front of the car on the passenger side (on vehicles built for the USA, steering wheel on left) . That would be called the front right.

[r2t]

Will do.... Thx Jay!

[r2t]

Well hallelujah! The past year of progressively increasing sputtering (and procrastination) is gone! And all it took (besides the herky-jerky acceleration and bright yellow CEL) was for me to go to Auto Zone, mid-day & mid-week (when I knew they would be the least busy) and get the dude to scan it and discover the #1 cyl COP crapped out. So $45 spent on a Motorcraft COP, Autolite plug & some dielectric grease did the trick. But without that step-by-step I would probably have been fumbling my way through.

Many, many thanks for the CV reference guys! The job only took me like 20 min but saved me a ton of $$$ and most of all, the nagging headache everytime I drove the car.

[1990LTD]

wait until #8 craps out. set aside more than 20 minutes

[sly]

nah... just need a 1/4 drive u-joint or flex head ratchet.

[SVT98t]

Or not run COPs.
Glad you fisked it!!

-ryan s.