Originally posted by btrautman:
Start with basics....

Take plugs out what do they look like. oil or gas fouled. are the worn, replace them is so

Previous shop had just changed the plugs (but they did put Bousch ones in). They look brand new to me, but, they are pretty black, like it is either running rich, or incomlete combustion (from maybe a weak coil). All six plugs look the same.

Originally posted by btrautman:
Check ignition wires, are they in good shape, are they connected correctly?

I took all the plug wires out and wiped them down and inspected them. They 'look' in good shape, no evidence of burning or arcing. I checked them with an ohmmeter, nos. 4, 5, & 6 measuring 18-19k-ohms, and nos. 1, 2, & 3 measuring 7-8k-ohms. Shop manual calls for 6-7k ohms/ft, so these seem to be in good shape.

I also pulled the coil and cleaned it up, checking for any signs of carbon tracking. Looks fine. I also checked the primary side resistance of the coils - all measure .6 ohms, and the secondarys all read between 13.2k ohms and 13.5k ohms.

I also checked the power (P/BK) to the coil and it reads battery voltage.

Originally posted by btrautman:
check fuel pressure

That I haven't done, but I guess I'm gonna have to invest in a FP gauge. Any recommendations?

Originally posted by btrautman:
check if vacuum irmc is actuated when engine started. When engine starts it should pull vacuum and close secondaries. If not check for vacuum line leaks and /or replace irmc valve.

The intake runner manifold control closes when (if?) the engine starts. Should the IRMC stay closed for a period of time right after the engine is shut off? Or does the solenoid vent the vacuum motor immediately?

Originally posted by btrautman:
Do you have a cell light on

The CEL light is ot on and there are no codes (except the '111' pass code. And I can disconnect the MAF and it will set a MAF code.)

Originally posted by btrautman:
Do a compression check on engine

That is one of the things that I yet need to do.

I also noticed every once in a while there are some rather strong exhaust fumes coming from someplace when I'm under the hood with the engine running. Can someone elaborate on how the Pulse AIR thing works (if its even on this 2.5L), what is likely to fail, and what are the symptons of failure.