Mis-fire problem - I have my codes!! :)

[JamesT5]

Hi

I thought I'd start a fresh thread following on from the Mis-fire thread previously posted.

My OBDII DTC reader came this morning, so I've plugged it in and managed to read my own codes!

It's given me 3 fault codes (DTC's) and has even given me the meaning of them too:

P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected

P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

So, coil packs on their way out then? Or maybe blocked injectors causing random misfire?

I've cleared the DTC's and I'll drive around for a while and see if logs the same codes again. That way I'll know if it's an ongoing problem or whether it was caused by my overzealous use of fuel system cleaner.

I'll read the codes after 50 miles or so and I'll post the results on here.

By the way, if anyone is near South Powys and need their codes reading, I'll do it for free. Don't pay the garages to plug a box in to your dash.

Regards

James

[JamesT5]

Mmmmm, just read this website (see link), and it's pointing towards vacuum leak. Doesn't explain why the problem is so infrequent and so random though.....

http://www.random-misfire.com/

[M-R-P]

Hi

I thought I'd start a fresh thread following on from the Mis-fire thread previously posted.

My OBDII DTC reader came this morning, so I've plugged it in and managed to read my own codes!

It's given me 3 fault codes (DTC's) and has even given me the meaning of them too:

P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected

P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

So, coil packs on their way out then? Or maybe blocked injectors causing random misfire?

I've cleared the DTC's and I'll drive around for a while and see if logs the same codes again. That way I'll know if it's an ongoing problem or whether it was caused by my overzealous use of fuel system cleaner.

I'll read the codes after 50 miles or so and I'll post the results on here.

By the way, if anyone is near South Powys and need their codes reading, I'll do it for free. Don't pay the garages to plug a box in to your dash.

Regards

James

If it logs the same cylinder 1 & 2 misfire, swap coilpack 1 & 2 for 4 & 5 and see if it picks up the same misfire or if it follows the coilpacks. that'll confirm or rule out the coils.

[bubba_1986]

If it logs the same cylinder 1 & 2 misfire, swap coilpack 1 & 2 for 4 & 5 and see if it picks up the same misfire or if it follows the coilpacks. that'll confirm or rule out the coils.

What he says lol. If it is packs give me a shout and ill sort you out with some

[JamesT5]

Ok thanks guys. How do I get the coil packs off and on and are they numbered?

Regards

James

[Wobbly Dave]

Need torx 25 bit to remove the spark plug cover - there are either 8 or 10 of them - I forget. Then unclip the offside end (by the cam sprockets). The cover should lift in 2 parts. Coil packs are held in place by 10mm nut. Unclip the coilpack wire by depressing the connector clip and pull the plug towards you. Undo the nut. Sometimes the coilpack comes out the hole & leaves the rubber shroud behind. You'll need to tug that out too.

You might want to check the spark plug at the same time? Make sure that they are not nibbled & properly gapped (feeler gauge will be needed - 0.7mm IIRC).

HTH

Top tip is to number the coil packs with dots of tippex. Traditionally #1 cylinder is nearest the cambelt.

[M-R-P]

beat me to it Dave

[Wobbly Dave]

Sorry dude - I am sure your path to forum domination will continue unabaited.

[JamesT5]

Need torx 25 bit to remove the spark plug cover - there are either 8 or 10 of them - I forget. Then unclip the offside end (by the cam sprockets). The cover should lift in 2 parts. Coil packs are held in place by 10mm nut. Unclip the coilpack wire by depressing the connector clip and pull the plug towards you. Undo the nut. Sometimes the coilpack comes out the hole & leaves the rubber shroud behind. You'll need to tug that out too.

You might want to check the spark plug at the same time? Make sure that they are not nibbled & properly gapped (feeler gauge will be needed - 0.7mm IIRC).

HTH

Top tip is to number the coil packs with dots of tippex. Traditionally #1 cylinder is nearest the cambelt.

Thanks for that. Looks like it's a trip to Halfords for some tools as I've only got a spanner set atm. Oh, and a pair of pliers!

Regards

James

[M-R-P]

Thanks for that. Looks like it's a trip to Halfords for some tools as I've only got a spanner set atm. Oh, and a pair of pliers!

Regards

James

I got most of my torx stuff and general tools for that matter, from Aldi, - tenner for a 60 piece kit with allsorts of bits and adapters

[Wobbly Dave]

& don't forget the tippex

[Harvey]

This is the way to fix things not just guessing at things
Well done that man .

[JamesT5]

I got most of my torx stuff and general tools for that matter, from Aldi, - tenner for a 60 piece kit with allsorts of bits and adapters

Oh yes, Aldi, I love it there because I got an electric car polisher for £15. Mind you, my fingers tingle when I use it because the vibration off it is off the scale. It's like using a pneumatic drill!

The only problem with cheap tools is that they can snap. I brought a 'cheap' socket set from Homebase back a few months ago and whilst trying to take a seat out of a Nissan Almera, the bit that goes over the nut just shattered in to a gazillion differnt pieces. It went back for a prompt and full refund.

The 'cheap' sets are sometimes made from composite materials and are coated in metal meaning they are cheaper that reinforced steal, hence they shatter. Hopefully though, a Torx set should be made from normal metal and will be fine, I'm sure.

Regards

James

[Harvey]

What I do is to buy spanners that I use size wise eg 8,10,13,17,19,22,24,not a set that I won't use the snap-on man will always try his best to sell a set to me but he knows that it's a game cos I won't with me. Not at there prices.

[M-R-P]

Oh yes, Aldi, I love it there because I got an electric car polisher for £15. Mind you, my fingers tingle when I use it because the vibration off it is off the scale. It's like using a pneumatic drill!

The only problem with cheap tools is that they can snap. I brought a 'cheap' socket set from Homebase back a few months ago and whilst trying to take a seat out of a Nissan Almera, the bit that goes over the nut just shattered in to a gazillion differnt pieces. It went back for a prompt and full refund.

The 'cheap' sets are sometimes made from composite materials and are coated in metal meaning they are cheaper that reinforced steal, hence they shatter. Hopefully though, a Torx set should be made from normal metal and will be fine, I'm sure.

Regards

James

Lol I got that polisher too. With the state of my shoulder at the moment, doing a 4 stage detail on an 18 foot long car by hand is a bad idea. The polisher is worth the VWF for the sake of being able to use my right arm in the morning lol. As for cheap tools, well, it doesn't matter how much a tool costs, I'll break it and usually in spectacular fashion. Good old snap-on (strap-on) tools bend and snap the same as any other when I get my hands on them That's why I always buy cheap, I can take them back for a swap or refund, usually within a week of buying them so I know it's still in stock

[graemewelch]

dont buy to cheap. machine mart stock good tools for sensable money

[LeeT5]

As a rule, you should always replace the spark plugs when fitting new coils, even if your just replacing one coil, fit a new set of plugs. It's normally always the plugs that cause premature failure of the coils.

So i wouldn't bother checking your spark gaps.

Spark plugs are so taken for granted and in my day job i see so many faults relating to knackered plugs it's unbelievable!

[JamesT5]

Got back from Merthyr Tydfil tonight and the misfire is back, now I have an extra code telling me cylinder 4 is misfiring too along with 1 and 2.

Oddly I saw a mate of mine who drives an S80 and he has had his engine warning light on so my code reader came in handy as I've kept it in the car to do reads when I need to there and then on the spot. I cleared 2 fault codes on his 2001 S80 both relating to the Catalytic Converter.

Anyway, he said from the sound of the engine it could be HT leads arching. It's worth a look I suppose, unless anyone knows otherwise?

I did think about replacing sparkies anyway once the problem is fixed, as they're probably fouling up from all the misfiring.

Regards

James

[LeeT5]

Anyway, he said from the sound of the engine it could be HT leads arching. It's worth a look I suppose, unless anyone knows otherwise?

You don't have HT leads!!

It sounds to me like this maybe something more sinister. Have you recently jet washed your engine??

[JamesT5]

You don't have HT leads!!

It sounds to me like this maybe something more sinister. Have you recently jet washed your engine??

No, I've never jet washed the engine mate and from the looks of it, it hasn't been done either.

I might change the coil packs and sparkies and see what happens.