Studders underload and Trac like comes on and check engine light flashes?

2008 GMC SIERRA
182,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ZACKBEAN
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  • 4 POSTS
I just replaced the ball joints, spark plugs, plug wires and cleaned that throttle body. I got in all together and took it for a drive to make sure it was running good and I took off really easy and it was running pretty well. but I gave it some throttle and once the engine got to 4,000 RPMs, it started misfiring and the traction control and Stabil tracks light came on and the engine light started flashing. But after the engine light goes away the traction control light turns off. I have checked wires, plugs and anything I have touched but can't figure it out.
Sep 5, 2022 at 10:25 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,267 POSTS
The first thing we should do is scan the car to see which cylinder is giving us problems because it sounds like you have an ignition coil or fuel injector that is going out. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) from Amazon for about $30.00.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Here is a scanner link:

https://amzn.to/3o41KcZ

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down these guides and report back.
Sep 6, 2022 at 2:55 AM
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ZACKBEAN
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I have one and I read the codes, it doesn't say which cylinder, it just says misfire. Also, the battery is now dying instantly. I drove it to the store after checking everything, still was acting up, and I came out of the store and the battery was drained. I was in the store for like 10-15 minutes max. The battery is from January 2018.
Sep 6, 2022 at 7:44 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Yep, a battery will last about 4 years so that's normal, also what code number is it?
Sep 7, 2022 at 5:13 AM
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ZACKBEAN
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  • 4 POSTS
I believe the code was p0305. My brother had to take my truck to work so just to try it I told him to change the spark plug on cylinder 5 before I left, and he said it was running perfect, so I think it was just a defective spark plug. But I will update you when I get home to see if that is true.
Sep 7, 2022 at 5:16 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,267 POSTS
I have seen defective spark plugs before so it's nothing new, let me know if you need more help.
Sep 8, 2022 at 2:30 AM
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ZACKBEAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Alright, thank you for the help. I just put 8 new plugs in it and it runs perfectly.
Sep 8, 2022 at 2:37 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,267 POSTS
Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
Sep 9, 2022 at 10:28 AM
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