I had a 303 code changed spark plugs check engine light went off for a few days and then came back on with same code am still smelling fuel, idles rough and seem to be going through gas. And radiator fluid occasionally. What is next step? Can anyone help me please.

 

Hi Jennifer,

I am not familiar with your car but FCP shows you have coil packs so the following video will help you with the problem, I hope. Whatever you do resolve the raw fuel going into the CAT unburned. I've only seen one CAT go out in one of my cars and that was due to me flooding it while trying to start it when it had an intermittent no start issue. The muffler didn't take long to fill up with the honey comb once it started to rattle.

P0303 Explained

As for the fuel smell in the radiator, resolve the fuel problem first because that maybe a head gasket problem from the unburn fuel going into the cooling system. Please check out the video below. You can borrow the Kit from one of the Auto Parts Stores and the fluid is less than $10. I purchased the kit when I forgot to return it. They'll charge you full price for the kit and refund the entire amount when you return it.

How to Test a Blown Head Gasket in Your Car
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0U8Iyf0kk4
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What year/model engine?

start simple - as suggested replace the coil pack for the #3 cylinder. When doing so you can inspect/clean/replace the plug. I'm sure it'll look oily as it sounds like your not firing and smelling the unburnt fuel. Do a complete inspection of the engine for any possible exterior fuel leaks - look around all hoses, the fuel pressure regulator/sensor, fuel rail, injector seals, fuel lines going back to the rear. Plugs normally get replaced at 60K miles so if you're close you may want to replace them. Coils generally get replaced when they fail (considering they go for about $50 a pop vs $5 for a plug).

For your loss of coolant, check around the big radiator hoses (upper/lower), the overflow reservoir, radiator side seams for any signs of wetness or staining. Particularly look around/under the reservoir and its hoses. Also check the hoses going from the rear of the engine through the firewall. If you have a sweet smell in the cabin, particularly when you start up first thing in the morning when the heater starts to warm up, then you may have an issue with the heater core or the heater hose o-rings leaking coolant. If so also check for dampness on the carpet near the transmission hump in the front seat foot wells.

If nothing shows up, you may need a shop to do a cooling system pressure test to help find a leak with some dye.