Don't worry about posting. All things must be considered and it is good to understand everyone's experience with these cars, regardless of the circumstances. No flame here.

 

The get service light came on this morning. They cant get me in until Thursday....should I rent a car?

 

If you need to get around and you have no other options, then I would say, yes.

Check your insurance policy or call your agent to see if they will cover any towing/recovery charges for vehicle breakdown. Mine does.

 

D not drive the car anywhere. Have it towed to the shop via flatbed. Rent a car or call a taxi. If something is wrong with the engine, every revolution could do more damage.

That being said, it sounds more like an ignition problem than anything.

 

Definitely not IMS issue from reading your experience.
Definitely have it flat bedded to dealer .

 

I am thinking it is more likely the MAF, an oxygen sensor or an ignition coil.

 

After reading a lot of material this seems the most likely to me as well. Should know tomorrow.

 

When you drove it home after filling it up the other night, did the CEL go out as well when the bucking stopped?

 

Whatever it is - since you don't know - have it towed to the dealership so it's there as soon as they have time to look at it. Any insurance/warranty/extended service you might have (and should) will not cover your problem if you don't stop immediately and have it towed in.

 

I did not look and have not been in it since. Driving the wife's for now.

 

One would think that these cars with a brain would be able to tell wether it's safe to drive the car. It's just a simple matter of a well written algorithm. No?

 

I had very similar issues, it turned out to be 3 cracked ignition coils, plus I changed the plugs. No issues since.

 

Defintley sounds like the ignition is misfiring the way it's bucking. Is this happening at all revs or just above 3 or 4 k rpm?

Good luck.

 

Above 3 or 4 RPMs I believe. Happened while exiting the freeway so after I was home in a couple of minutes. Then I took it for gas thinking my wife put **** water gas in it. Don't recall it happening on the way home from the station. Have not driven it since. 20,600 miles,full inspection and oil service 3k miles ago.

 

At the shop now. Feels like my kid is being tested for something.