3 somewhat unrelated issues with a 96 SE. 102,500 miles..have been having a problem with rough idle. Last week it threw a P0303 misfire on 3 cylinder.,,I adjusted the plug wire on the plug and it seemd to smooth out, later in the week more rough running...but no code thrown. Went to check the #3 today... when I tried to remove the number 3 spark plug wire from the plug, the wire and boot pulled loose from the metal terminal. I stripped back a 1/2 inch of the insulator bent the inner wire over the insulator and re-crimped the terminal back into the wire...it seems to run very smooth now..is it possible that this is a good fix? or should I be looking for a set of new wires? Or just the one the failed?

I have been having a random problem with P0171 Lean fuel...I tested it with a vac guage today at the port for the transmission vac line and I had 18 inches rock solid no flucuation at all (at idle) when accelerated it would drop way down then come back up to 18..seems normal? I tested the fuel pressure at the fuel regulator 42 psi at idle..50 psi key on engine off. Disconnect the vac line to the pressure regulator and the pressure would go up close to 50 that seems normal too. I'm assuming that the fuel pump isn't the issue.
I guess I'll need to try to run down other problem areas like with EGR tubing and grounds..
I have cleaned the battery cables at the battery and the alternator...I have not followed the one that goes down onto the engine block and cleaned it...guess i should?

My traction control light on the dash seems to come on randomly. It will frequently be on when the car is 1st started...drive a block or 2 and it goes out..sometimes it might stay on for 1/2 mile then it just goes off by itself. Seems like it'* having trouble getting into synch or something. Is there a sensor or connector of the 4 wheels that is most likely to be a problem, or should I just check the wiring and clean all the connectors to all of them?

all advice & comments welcome

Spit

I would definately replace the wires, shouldn't be anymore than 40 at checker or autozone, change the plugs to. If you still have a problem then I'd start swapping coil packs to troulbe shoot which one is bad. As far as the other two I'm not sure, I know each wheel has a speed sensor that is part of the traction control and abs so maybe check and clean those.

New wires is a good idea. May as well change the plugs too. A set of Autolites is about $1.79 each and wires about $40 or so. As for coils? When you pull your old plugs look at them. If any look bad see if two match up with the same coil. My guess is the coils are fine. Both of those codes are common with a vac leak. Use some carb cleaner and spray around all the connections, hoses, and make sure you get the EGR tube. Listen for any RPM changes.

Danthurs
Thanks for the answers...The plugs were changed 8,000 miles ago. I am thinking that I must have damaged the #3 wire when I changed the valve cover gaskets a few weeks ago. Regarding the P0171 code and vacuum leaks..wouldn't I see a low reading or a fluctation of some type on the vac gauge? Since I'm not would the EGR tubes be more likely? If it is a leak in the EGR tube...is it more likely the tube that goes from the EGR to the intake manifold or the tube from the exhaust manifold to the EGR?

The leak could be anywhere. A small leak wont show up as easy. As for the EGR i believe from the exhaust manifold to the valve is more likely because of more heat.