please help!

[Anjillie]

I have a 2001 alero GX, 4 cylinder, 5 speed standard. I was driving this morning, it is very damp in ontario. Now when i give it gas, it feels like it is "missing". Sounds like it is running on 3 cylinders, there is no strange noise coming from the engine, but yet when i give it gas it feelds like it is misfiring. And the exhaust is shaking. The "check engine" light is flashing.

If anybody has any suggestions, please let me know:-) Thanks.

-Jill

[eric99gt]

Flashing SES is indicitive of a misfire. Could be a multitude of things. Get the code read to find out where it is coming from.

[Rockfan1815]

^agreed

it sounds like maybe a bad coil but dont take my word for it until you get the code read.

if you take it to a auto parts store to have the code read DO NOT let them talk you into buying what they think is the problem, just say no and return here with the code. doing this could save you money in the long run.

[rixGAphx]

Agree with Rockfan ^^^.

'01, 7-yrs old, about 85k miles/136,000 kms??

Not yet time according to regular maintenance shcedule, but have you replaced the spark plugs?

Standing by,
-Rick

PS: Do NOT let this go on for more than a day or 2.
SES 'solid' = Problem with the engine that shold be chaecked soo, say within a week.
SES 'flashing' = Engine problem that must be addressed immediately, lest expensive ADDITIONAL damage is done (specifically, you can ruin the front O2 sensor ($125+ installed) and the catalytic converter ($400+ installed)).
When the SES is flashing, the engine's computer (PCM) has defaulted to a safe, limp-home mode called 'open-loop'.
It is operating the engine very rich, and really sucking gasoline.

PPS: The auto parts stores will scan your engine for FREE; get the EXACT 5-digit code numbers (P0xxx).
No need to go to a shop and pay $80 for a 'diagnostic scan.'

[Matt95GT]

Sounds like typical 2.3/2.4 ignition system problems. Things to troubleshoot:
spark plugs (age, proper gap, brand - use stock AC Delco)
coil housing - check for signs of arcing or cracks
check plug boots for deterioration
bad connections to IDI module, etc

After that, coils and IDI module would need to be tested.