Hi everyone. I purchased a 96 SE with 176k on it. The previous owner was driving it with a shredded serpentine belt (and no power steering) because the tensioner pulley was frozen. I had a local mechanic replace the belt.

I have a constant check engine light that came on about a week ago. The car has a miss, esp at low rpm and part throttle. Is this a bad coilpack problem or possibly plugs and wires? I read some of the common troubles in the tech info section. Also there is always a slight smell of coolant.

The tranny slips a little into second gear if you accelerate moderately or better, but if you drive easy it shifts very smooth. Any tranny recommendations or leave it alone.

TIA!

You have to retrieve the trouble codes if the check engine light is on. Autozone will do it for you, or your local mechanic, or someone with a scan tool.

To begin if you feel like getting into it your self you should get a Chiltons Repair Manual.
Off the top of my head I'd say pull a spark plug or two and check the gap on them..if the gap is way out of spec its time for new AC Declo plugs (Do not use Bosch) When you replace the plugs its a good idea to do the wires too. Taylor makes good wires, same with MSD And AC Delco for our cars. You may want to have a mechanic check your coils..

BUT Get your codes scanned first befor you start leaping into replacing expensive parts!
As for your transmission, check the fluid, What color is it? Red, or more black?
Does it smell like its burnt? If so you might have a problem if not Id look into getting it flushed...if its black and burnt, I wouldnt get it flushed could make the issue worse.

Thanks for the advice. I will get the codes checked as soon as I can. I work too many hours and it'* hard for me to get a ride home from the garage.

The strange thing is that it started out no CEL and ran like a champ and has slowly over 3 weeks missed more and the light has stayed on and now is flashing. The car was parked for about 6 weeks before I purchased it. I have been running only 93 octane.