Well, I THOUGHT I had found the problem. I was doing the "midnight test" where I was viewing my ignition coil and spark plug wires at night to check for electrical arcing. I noticed that my old ignition coil was popping and clicking and there was a large amount of blue electricity arcing all around both sides of it. Assuming this was the culprit for my power dropouts and sputtering, I ordered a new coil.

When it arrived I installed it immediately. When I started the car I was stunned to find that the brand new coil was doing the exact thing the old one was doing:
popping, clicking, and arcing like crazy around both sides.

Is this normal? I can't see how it can be, as this is a serious loss of current.

So now I have an appointment with the dealer on Thursday to diagnose the problem. I'm getting no code or check-engine light. I'd like to avoid the dealer if possible so any help would be greatly appreciated from someone who might have a clue.

Symptoms: car will sporadically sputter along while driving; also, when driving along, sometimes pressing the gas down a bit will do nothing, as if you are not pressing the pedal down, then 1 to 2 seconds later power will come back fully. This happens sporadically also.

Thank you for any info/help.

kevin