i linked a video that shows me driving on the highway. my friends took a video of the rpms going erratic while my car struggles to accelerate and stay alive, then it back fires, and the check engine light comes on for a split second.
i also have videos that arent compatible to be linked on this website, but when idling, it either struggles to stay alive while rpms go erratic, or the engine will be running fine, but rpms will still be going erratic.
note that this stuff happens randomly, so that pushes me to believe its an electrical issue.
i have replaced almost every sensor, along with the ENTIRE ignition system. i have replaced IAC valve, TPS, CTS, knock sensor, fuel pump, fuel filter, distributor with cap and rotor, plug wires, spark plugs, ignition control module, and electronic spark control module. my catalytic converter rattles, and i know that can have an effect on engine performance, but i dont think it could do anything like this. i really need some help with this. thank you.

 

Did you replace the coil? The ICM or the coil misbehaving can cause this kind of thing.

 

I would also suggest that the coil is defective.

 

yes I've tried the coil and distributor. but i have more info now. i decided to get my battery checked at auto zone, and it read 0%. so i figured its cause i have 2 12 inch subwoofers in the back of my car that my alternator cant keep up with. so i unhooked my subs, got by battery charged at AutoZone, and put it back in the car and tested the battery again. this time it was reading bad cranking health, so i got a new battery under warranty. i test the new battery in the car, and it still said bad cranking health, but after testing it multiple times, it started to read good battery. so i test the starting system and charging system too. to test the starting system, the testing device wants you to start the car to test the starter, but before i tried to start it, the device instantly said bad starter. so i try testing it again, and now it lets me start the car, and it says good starter, and also says my charging system is good. so after that, i drive it some, it still does the same random erratic idle and backfires, but now it doesn't do it very often. only once in a while will it do it for a few seconds, then stop.
sorry if my explanation is confusing