Firing order

This week I cleaned the spark plugs, installed new fuel and air filters, ignition wires, distributor cap and rotor. I installed the ignition wires incorrectly initially and had to reinstall them a few more times to find the correct firing order. After each re-installation of the wires I tried to start the engine. Some times it coughed and sputtered several times but would not start. A few times it started but did not idle properly or run smoothly (stuttering when I tried to accelerate engine speed). During this process the "check engine" light came on - mostly in the blinking mode. When I had the wires properly installed the car was still slow to start and sputtered but seemed to be alright at idle. I wanted to drive the car around a bit to see if the "check engine" light would go out after a few miles but when I tried to move the AT from Park to Drive the release button on the shift handle would not disengage and I was unable to move the gear selector.

I should also tell you that when I finally had the ignition wires connected correctly the engine idled somewhat smoothly, but still stuttered when I tried to increase engine speed. I then removed each ignition wire one at a time to see how the idle was affected. Removing wires from from plugs 1 and 2 caused a great drop-off in idle engine speed, however, removing the wires from plugs 3 and 4 had no discernible effect on how the engine idled - even with both cables disconnected at the same time.

I don't know what to do next to get my car back in operation. How could anything that I did effect the ability to move the AT gear selector?

I installed new plugs in 3rd and 4th cylinders and the car started a little easier, and I was able to move the AT gear selector, but the "Check Engine" light is still on and the engine dies when I try to test drive the car.

I was going to check my idle speed, however, my Haynes manual says that I must ensure that the "check Engine" light is not on to do this. It doesn't tell me what to do if te "Check Engine" light is on.

Any help you can provide will be much appreciated.