The dealer is trying to HOSE you dry

Im busy this weekend, but i should be available to help out next weekend if bossty is open for it.

you probably do not need new coils, especially if you have no misfire code in the computer and they cleaim that they are "rusted", all that means to me is that they need to be cleaned

The steering wheel postition sensor will not trigger the SES light, that would trigger a service stability message to be displayed.
I have no experience with stability systems, but i have a manual so we can take a peek at it.
Also, i dont believe the clunking intermediate shaft should have anything to do with the steering wheel position sensor code, unless its SEVERELY worn. i think this may be its own problem

Egr Valve 9/10 times you can fix it with a good cleaning (this is triggering your SES light)

thermostat - 9.99
Ignition wires - $44.94
spark plugs - $20-40
Intake gasket Set - $66.96
Blower motor - $146.77
motor mount - $99.27

that covers everything but the steering system

Jason...if you had already bought the Civic....but want to fix your bonne instead, you have three business days to cancel the contract....

There you go Jason about $400 plus beer , as opposed to $3215 thats a deal it just shows you how great the people are here. I think you would regret it ,if you trade it in.From here on out stay away from dealer for repairs as you probably would have spent half of what you spent else where up to now. Get some tools and stick around , I wish you all the luck.If I was in the area I would of helped as well ..well drank beer anyways.

Jump on this Jason. The NE crowd pull off some amazing feats for no more than the cost of beer (this cost could be astronomical, so be wary).

Let'* do the Forum thing and fix this car the right way.

Jason your costs are high becasue you are geting taken at the dealer....if you keep the SSEI, you will enjoy it much better than that civic...trust us on this.....and prolly actually cheaper in the long run

Jason, I know you are a big boy and are perfectly capable of making your own decisions.....But, that dealer is trying to kick it off in you!!

I have a 02 SE with 87k on the clock and N.A.D.A.com says it is still worth $81 large.
This stuff that'* wrong with your car really is fixable. You are just overwhelmed by what it needs right now. I know how that feels. Dude please don't go across the water with the trade. And if you do don't do it at that lot. 5 grand is alot of money to roll over into a car, listen to Singscountry.

Most of the parts that the dealer is trying to charge you an arm and leg for are much cheaper. The bulb they are wanting 15 bones for can be had at Wal-Mart for like 2 bucks at the most.

Go to any decent auto parts store and pick up a Haynes Manual#19020. It is for 85 thru 02. Buick, Oldsmobile,and Pontiac, they all use the 3800.

Check out GMPartsDirect also you can basically buy parts at wholesale, if nothing else put up a post of what you are needing. You never know what we may have laying around just minding it'* own business.

If I have anything you need let me know, I don't have alot of parts on hand but I am willing to help out.

I don't have alot of knowledge on these cars either, but I sure will share what I've learned.

You just need to get in there and do it. Experience is the best teacher, everyone starts somewhere.

Good luck and holler if you need me,

Bonnevillemac (Tim)

Jason, you have a lot of good folks on this board that want to help you. And if any of them are in your area, you should give them a chance.

You say there are some things on cars that you don't know how to do. Is it you don't know how, or don't want to know how? There is a BIG difference. Because if you do NOT want to learn how to repair cars and have no interest in them what so ever; then yes, you should get yourself a Honda and never look back.

Jason... I bought the pc based GM manual that covers 98-05 all vehicles. Have done upper and lower intakes on 2-03 cars now.

Here'* mine Boosty'* Intake Thread

It'* a piece of cake. Only issue might be leaning further into your engine bay. The back plugs and wires aren't easy to get at..but with the intake off...we can probably get to them super easy.

I get a NICE discount at Advance and can order up the parts as soon as you say go. This weekend VPtruman is supposed to be cruising up.... why not do both the same weekend? With yours we'll be best figuring on a day and a half. I'm pm'ing you my info.. let me know.

Your a good man Boosty !

as i said before, ill be there aswell with my 2000 paper service manual