2002 Pontiac Firebird Rough Idle when wet, no engine power

2002 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
181,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GARYTHFLA
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Whenever my car's engine gets wet, it starts idling really rough and the i don't have much engine power and the "check engine light" comes on. it doesn't happen when i first crank the car (for example, in the morning) but when I go home at night, it's pretty bad. i also have a little bit more smoke coming out the exhaust than i think is normal, but that was just when i first cranked it up this morning.

background information.....i just put a new throttle body assembly on it and the transmission is only 2 years old. the fuel filter is only a few months old as well. the fuel pump and water pump are only 2 or 3 years old and the alternator is brand new also(less thank 6 months old). i also just had the spark plugs changed.
Aug 28, 2009 at 12:58 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Were the ignition wires replaced when the plugs were?
Aug 29, 2009 at 12:24 AM
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GARYTHFLA
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no, the ignition wires have never been replaced.
Aug 29, 2009 at 8:16 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That would be my first guess. At night (in the dark), open the hood and start the car. Spray a mist of water over the plug wires to see if they arc (spark) when wet or damp. That could be the entire problem.
Aug 31, 2009 at 8:39 AM
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GARYTHFLA
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i bought some new ignition wires and put them on and the problem seems to be getting better. it still idles rough but not as rough as before.

i'm wondering if it will gradually get better as i drive it or if there could be another problem....

the check engine light is still coming on when i drive although i seem to have have regained some of my lost power. i had my car hooked up to a computer on saturday and it said cylinder 3 wasnt working like it was supposed to.
Aug 31, 2009 at 9:48 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Did they reset the light? And if they did, has it come on again? If so, have it rescanned to see #3 cylender is the problem. If it is, I will advise you on what to do next.

If they didn't reset the light, have it done. Most parts stores will do it for free.
Aug 31, 2009 at 10:28 AM
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GARYTHFLA
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they didnt reset the light and it will be this weekend before i can get back over there. i dont think having the check engine light reset will cause the rough idling to stop but i will ask them to do it.

like i said before, it is running much better but still somewhat rough.

i'll send another reply when i get the light reset and let you know.
Sep 1, 2009 at 7:05 PM