Spikejmh

Hello all,

I just recently purchased a 2006 Chevy Cobalt LS for $500. Has 187,000 miles on it currently Now the reason why it was cheap was because of it needing TLC. the main thing that the previous owner said was the Cylinder 1 Misfire. And I confirmed it was a P0301 code. Now before I jump in to either taking it to a shop or tinkering with it myself. I'm looking for knowledge from everybody and anyone that has 2 cents worth of info for it. Idles around 800 RPM and at times it does misfire and drops the RPM. Hasn't stalled on me but the previous owner said it has before. Currently it is a Stock engine no mods, yet. And I haven't even looked at the air filter to give you all an idea on what I've looked at in this case. Much appreciated taking the time to check this out.

BLKLS

Check the plugs, maybe it's just a bad coil. Maybe it's the ICM. Maybe an injector. If those check out do a compression test.

Spikejmh

Sweet, I'll check those out when I get out of work. Anything I should be cautious about pulling the top off to get to the plugs? Also changed the oil in the car and good lord, The oil filter was collapsed and found out the belt had 3 holes in it about 2x the diameter of a toothpick. Changed that out as well. Sounds a heck of a lot better. Can't wait to tackle the plugs, coil, and ICM next. Not much of a mechanically inclined person so learning this sort of stuff on my own car is a bit exciting. Thanks for the tips.

BLKLS

The conecter for the ICM has a lock on it, don't brake it lol, then it's just four 10mm bolts and pull the coil packs off.

Spikejmh

thanks popped off the coil pack and ICM only took out the first plug on the far left , assuming that is Cylinder 1. And ya needs to be replaced so going to get a 4 set. Any recommendations for just commute driving? or just a good spark plug to use? I'll post a pic of the plug tonight it was pretty bad.

boltedbalt

Ngk, or OEM style are fine

Spikejmh

Well good news it appears it was the plug that was causing the misfire it does seem to idle low though around 700-800 rpm is that normal? And it wasn't just Cylinder 1 that had horrible spark plugs they all appeared to be to the point were misfiring would have taken place. Went with NGK Platnium. Still sounds a little rough though but the RPMs are not dropping anymore and the CEL hasn't came on yet after about 5 miles of driving which normally it would have came on. Thanks to all for the suguestions and tips much appreciated!


Also noticed a fluid rushing sound , radio off all quiet when I rev it a little bit enough to move it to 1.5k - 2k rpm it hear fluid rushing is that the coolant? Another thing I didn't take a picture of it but to the right of the oil filter its about a 1/4 inch hose that goes into a 1x2.5 inch box and I'm honestly not sure what it is the hose is loose no hose clamp on it but no marks on it from where one would be. any idea?

Spikejmh

That is the part I'm asking about

NOTE: this isn't my engine found the picture on google so I could reference it.

boltedbalt

I think that is the coolant line for your tranny fluid, make sure that is not leaking!

Spikejmh

Humm I can honestly say I've never heard of a transmission coolant line but makes sense. And ya the reason why I'm asking is it isn't leaking or anything but the hose attachment I'm able to pull back and forth with really no force not sure if it is suppose to be like that or should i hose clamp it?

boltedbalt

You do realize transmission fluid has to be cooled correct? Hard to tell from the picture, but if im right you could always get a smaller hose if you think its dragging or might get caught on something

Hose clamp

Spikejmh

Now I know there is a such thing as transmission cooling line. As stated prior, I'm not that mechanically inclined, When it comes to computers and networking no problem, engines and cars I know the basics, oil changes, spark plugs ( as long as I know where they are ), Air filter, battery, etc, etc. Hence why I'm on this site always looking for new information. Whereas I'm not a mechanic, I would like to find out and learn as much as possible on the car that I drive. But thanks for the advice, it is always appreciated. And I apologize if it sounded the like the hose itself was in the way or moving around I meant the connection that is highlighted in the picture above the connection itself is able to move back and forth on there with little force. Not sure if that needs to be secured or not to worry about it.

EDIT: Gotcha will Hose Clamp it.

boltedbalt

Yeah id secure it, with hose clamps, can get them at the local parts store

Spikejmh

Rock on will do thanks for the advice