1.6 K extremely rough

Hi all,



Today, the evil problem reoccurred on my wife's car. My previous ramblings were back in March: http://ift.tt/1Dclw89



From cold, within 200 yards, it started coughing and spluttering - started small, and just got worse. She turned back home. I started it and noted that the idle was extremely rough (revs going too low). If I got it above 2000 revs, up to 5500, it sounded fine. Idle was horrible though. It stank of fuel and stalled a few times (it's an auto and was in park!). Had to leave it and go to work.



Tonight, I had a look:

• No unusual O2 sensor behaviour on ODB2/diagnostic tool (same as my ZS 1.8)


• Can't see any wiring damage


• I unplugged what I think is the lambda sensor and tried it (no change)


• Removed rocker cover and the two plug leads - wiring/connections look OK


• I tried car again, even worse, and started spitting out misfire and 'cylinder 3' errors


• Re-connected lambda and pushed in plug leads in much harder (they don't seem very firm - should they?) and tried it again - idle now OK!


• Took it out for a spin and it was peachy.

Not sure what to do now. I don't think I've fixed anything, and I think there is an electrical problem somewhere. I can't see how the problem is mechanical, as it goes from perfect to awful and back again.



She's going to try it in the morning, but neither of us are confident. :(



Any ideas? I'm tempted to get some new plug leads. Can a novice fit them?



My wife has lost all confidence in the car. :( Shame, 'cos it's lovely.

from the last news http://ift.tt/1sctNjU

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