'00 SSEi - Replacing coils

[David CO]

It looks like I will be replacing my ignition coils in my '00 SSEi.
I can do a few things o n this car mechanically but am by no means a mechanic. Is there anything I need to know concerning replacing these coils.

To reference the issues: Hard shudder in the car upon 1/3 to 1/2 of throttle. MAF has been replaced w/ new as has TPS. Still a lack of acceleration and power. Codes pulled say MAF (still) and normally show a misfire in #4, sometimes #1 and #6 but mainly #4. It seems to be a load issue as I can have it in park and go TWO and no issue. Only upon harder acceleration.

Thanks in advance

[00Beast]

Before you replace the coils, make sure they're bad.

Techinfo is your friend: viewtopic.php?f=48&t=1683

[Pontiacdad]

Yes, first test the coils, they are probably ok.
Even new wires can cause the issues your describing, check them too.
When was the last time you changed the plugs?

[00Beast]

Check the wires for resistance with an Ohm meter, and make sure they all read the same, that there's not one that reads way higher than the rest. If it does, take them back, or throw them out, depending on age. I highly recommend Beldin Premium wires from NAPA, they have a lifetime warranty, and are of good quality, if they're old or bad. Also, you never stated what you have done for maintenance, so just make sure this list is up to date, especially your spark plugs.

Brand Suggestions are in the parentheses.

• 1987-2005 Bonneville / Buick 3800 Maintenance List
  
  Run Seafoam through gasoline and intake every 5,000 miles. One pint of Seafoam in a half tank of fuel is a good mix. The intake is optional, but recommended.
  
  Grease: Ball Joints, Tie Rods Every 8-10k ( Green Grease recommended)
  Air Filter Every 15k (Amsoil EaA, Purolator PureONE)
  PCV Valve Every 30k
  MAF Sensor Element Cleaning/TB Cleaning Every 50k viewtopic.php?f=48&t=1661
  Fuel Filter Every 15-25k (Purolator, AC Delco, WIX)
  Spark Plugs Every 30-50k (NGK TR55 or Autolite 605) (Never Bosch)
  Ignition Wires Every 30-50k (Napa Belden, AC Delco, Autolite Pro, NGK) (Never Taylor or Bosch)
  Oil & Filter Every 5-6k or Every 6 months (Mobil1 or Amsoil)(Mobil1, Purolator PureONE, Amsoil EaO or WIX) (Never Fram) viewtopic.php?f=45&t=214
  *Conventional Oil Every 3k/3 months(Pennzoil with a WIX (Napa), Delco or Purolator filter)
  Transmission Flush Every 15-20k (Always make sure filter is changed when flushed)
  Cooling System Flush Every 25-50k or 3-5 Years (Peak or Prestone Green Coolant Only) (Never Dexcool)
  Oxygen Sensor Every 80-100k (30k for non-heated) (AC Delco or Denso) (Absolutely never Bosch) viewtopic.php?f=48&t=794
  Accessory Belt Inspect every 15k, replace every 100k, or as needed
  Cabin Air Filter Inspect and Replace every 15k, or as needed in dusty conditions. (Note: 00+ Only)
  Evap Core Cleaning Whenever Needed (Note: 99 and older only) viewtopic.php?f=45&t=2432
  
  *Special Considerations*
  All 3800s, LG3, LN3, L27, L36, L26, L67 & L32, especially important on vehicles factory installed with orange Havoline Dexcool Antifreeze/Coolant: http://www.dex-cool.net/
  Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement, every 80-100k (ignorance of this can allow coolant to enter your engine oil, this happening can cause irreversible lower engine damage, requiring replacement of subject engine)
  
  Series II, Naturally Aspirated, RPO:L36:
  Upper Intake Manifold Plenum Replacement, Every 80-100k (ignorance of this can allow coolant to enter your intake manifold, possible damage to occur can be hydrolock, irreversible damage to emissions devices, misfires, etc. Most times, engine replacement is required if ignored long enough.) viewtopic.php?f=53&t=1061
  
  Series I, II, III RPO Code L67 & L32:
  Change Supercharger Oil; Every 30-50k. (Intense Racing or GM Dealer) viewtopic.php?f=56&t=1690
  Supercharger Belt (Series II and III only); Inspect Every 15k, Replace Every 100k or as needed.
  
  Rev. 7/19/09 By 00Beast

[Archon]

Is it worse when the car warms up, but seems to be better when cold?