Edmunds Answers questions

On the 2001 Nissan Maxima 3.0, are cylinders 1, 3, and 5 along the firewall left to right as you face the engine?

wmaricle — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:09:12 GMT

This is my daughter's car and it has a #5 misfire code--I'm guessing bad ignition coil based on her description of loss of power/shutter at times in 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Started out doing it once a month, then once a week, now ever other day. Car has 173K with new plugs @110K.

1998 GMC Envoy misfire.

anita3 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:14:41 GMT

Misfiring #5 cylinder or not firing right, have replaced cap, plugs, wire, rotar, new upper intake. When starting starts like it is missing. Timing set top dead center to #1. Any ideas as to why still misfiring or firing bad?

I have a Lexus RX 300 that recently would not turn off when I removed the key.

maggie_may_07 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:45:45 GMT

It was running rough, then I turned it off and the car still sputtered and kept running. The running lights were not as bright but the engine was still running. I turned it on and off a few times until it stayed off.

Any ideas on solving pinging on a Honda Accord v6? Premium unleaded helps, but does not eliminate the issue. Thanks.

neil2000v6 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:30:44 GMT

The car has 188,000km and has had the spark plugs changed once at around 110,000. The pinging problem went away for a few months after I had to have the Idle Air Valve changed, but is now back. Premium unleaded helps enormously, but does not "solve" the problem completely. Honda does not advise using any carbon solvents, but thinks there is carbon in the combustion chamber.

Any help would be much appreciated.

1998 Buick Century Custom engine repair.

bandits — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:53:49 GMT

Ive have had this car to many times at the shop. Parts that have been replaced.

ERO
Evac Both Parts
Injectors
I think the map sensor

Now here the question why is number 4 spark plug keeps burning out. When I replace it the car will run for 3-4 weeks before I have to replace it again. I have had it on the scan it comes up as a misfire. What can I look for?

The check engine light is on. I was told it could be my gas cap.

My right blinker and side light don't work repaced blinker it just flashes to fast back light wORK

1998 Buick Century Custum
3.1 Motor
4 Door

Thank You If You Can Help Me..

My 2005 Subaru Outback wagon will run very rough for 3-5 miles while traveling on thruway at 70 MPH, then it seems to be ok.

actionjackson — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:47:34 GMT

My 2005 Outback Wagon will run very rough for 3-5 miles while traveling on thruway at 70 MPH then it seems to be ok. It happens about once a week. The average mph displays goes to ----(dashes) then appears with approx. 26mpg and slowly increases. Any ideas?

2000 Chevy Astro van, high speed miss at 68 mph.

sufr54 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:12:42 GMT

150k, Replaced cat. converters, coil, Distributor cap, plugs and wires, injectors.

Was told by dealer possible sticky valves, put sea-foam in oil, de-sludge, no difference.

Has thrown same code for multiply cylinder. miss fires 3 times and always at 68mph. Cylinder 6 seems to miss fire the most.

94 Toyota Camry 2.2 motor is missing when it warms up. Replaced whole distributor and plugs but still does it. Any suggestions?

ernestt3 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:10:57 GMT

94 Camry with 2.2 motor. I replaced the distributor and plugs already thinking was problem. Well expensive upgrade for stock lol. Anyway when my car warms up it misses like crazy to where it almost dies out. Drives with no power but when first start it drives perfect. Not too sure what else to do without spending lots money on a part that still works. Please help. Car's parked over lil knowledge of Toyota engines.

2.2 Toyota Camry engine. Is the igniter the engine coil?

ernestt3 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:33:13 GMT

I don't or can't find the ignition coil wire from cap to a coil but it has a silver box called igniter on the strut mount could this be the part for the coil on this car?

98 Acura Integra S is misfiring when cold.

nolefan3 — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:59:00 GMT

OBD codes p1399 p0301,2,3,4. One day my engine light was blinking no extra code for that. I've put mmo into the tank and about 4oz into the crank case seems to help a bit but still does it. Cylinder one's spark plug is brownish and flaky bits are on it. The rest are still white, new plugs and wires new distributor cap and button.

1992 Chevy Beretta 2.2L What would cause backfires, rough idle? Cuts off too. I have changed the plugs and wires

cadman303 — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:28:36 GMT

1992 Chevy Beretta 2.2L

What makes a 2000 VW Beetle 2.0 liter engine SOCS make a predetonation knock upon acceleration of the throttle under 1000 rpm.

thetutor — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:28:02 GMT

What makes a 2000 VW Beetle 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder engine, Single Overhead Camshaft make a predetonation knock upon the acceleration of the throttle under 1000 rpm's?

Please help.

98 VW Cabrio. Misfire Code P0304. How do I repair?

wizfin1 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:34:53 GMT

I hooked up the OBD2 scan tool and it indicated that there was a misfire detected in Cylinder 4. Now how do I go about diagnosing exactly what to repair...the spark plugs, the ignition control module, an ignition spider? I'm new to this so am trying to understand how to go about trying to make this repair myself. Is this going to be a bit of trial and error or is there a better way to figure out what to focus on? Thanks.

I have an 06 Lincoln LS and was just informed I have a misfire in cylinder 8. What does it mean as far as repairs?

alex95 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:44:04 GMT

The car started acting like it wanted to cut off and got very little power when I pressed the gas. It was also shaking a little and noisy. It has never done it before. I had it diagnosed at the auto store today. The check engine light is on and sometimes flashes and the car drives normal at times. Is the misfire expensive to repair or should my warranty cover the repairs?

I own a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. What is setting of plug gap and timing?

marekal — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:47:15 GMT

I own a 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with just over 100,000 miles it just showed up a warning to CHECK ENGINE and started skipping. what would be the proper spark plug gap and engine timing. What other things should I check

2000 Ford F-250 diesel. Service Engine Light comes on ONLY when running scanner. Says no codes. Runs rough. Help please.

tbone23 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:48:59 GMT

Changed fuel filter with no change. Cleaned sending unit filters no change. Don't know how to get a code. Fuel pump is working but don't know how much pressure, could only hear it. Taking it to Ford on Monday but hate to. Any advice? Don't want to shell out 100 bucks so they can tell me they don't know.

2000 Chevy Astro. Have little to no power during acceleration. Engine sputters when accelerator is pressed. Must drive slowly.

poppie1dad — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:25:31 GMT

Haven't changed fuel pump yet. Did switch spider from used 99 Safari. Having same problem, also changed fuel filter.

Check engine light on. Have codes, can hear fuel pump charge system.

map(man. absolute pressure)\baro or maf(mass air flow)\vaf(vane air flow)sensor condition

Why does my 1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4.0L misfire at an idle in gear, especially after running two hours?

ramrpt — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:01:10 GMT

The vehicle has 220,000 miles on it. When the vehicle is in "park" at an idle it does not misfire. When the air conditioner is on it exacerbates the misfire. This is the only problem the engine seems to be experiencing.

99 Chevy Blazer ZR2 new cap, rotor, plugs, wires and pcv. Misses on hard acceleration at first start up, goes away warm but seems doggy.

ridinhigh4001 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:33:14 GMT

Have 99 Blazer ZR2 with new factory built zero miles motor. put motor in 2 years ago, have had no problems. Has new fuel pump and sending unit, fuel filter, plugs, wires, cap & rotor, pcv. On first start up on a hard acceleration truck misses/backfires. Goes away warm but always feels doggy, similar to when clutch fan stays engaged, has trouble at top of gear. Fuel pressure regulator is not leaking, any ideas?

Started car and rpm went right to 4k. Throttle does not respond and there is no mechanical obstruction in TBI. 2000 Chevy Malibu.

beerango — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:16:44 GMT

I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu, 3.1L that has been sitting for about a month. Started the car today and the throttle was sluggish and didn't want to accelerate. after backing out of drive seemed okay for a minute then the rpm shot up to 4k and the pedal would not respond. Shut the car off. Tried restarting and the idle shot right to 4k. Looked at the air intake to see if there was an obstruction holding the throttle body open and everything seemed clean and clear. Unplugged a few of the sensors on the intake hose and there was no change. Nothing looks out of place or broken. What would cause the idle to rev up on its own? Tried to step on the pedal and manually move the throttle from under the hood and it seems to bog a little but does not slow the idle.

Need the firing order for 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII, number three misfiring and need to replace coil tower. Even and odd cylinders are on which side?

chaos68 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:29:22 GMT

Need the firing order for 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII, number three misfiring and need to replace coil tower. Even and odd cylinders are on which side?

2003 6 liter diesel runs rough. EGR valve?

cigarcity — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:13:03 GMT

Engine runs rough when cold only.

What is the firing order of a 98 VW Beetle, 2.0L gas engine, as I look from the front?

mrgoofy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:49:03 GMT

my 98 VW Beetle is mis-firing. I believe that my spark plug wire may be mis-connected. What is the order of the wires from the engine to the distributor?

07 Hyundai Azera is in the shop for the third time for skipping engine. Any suggestions?

walden3 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:35:50 GMT

Engine develops skip at odd times,when I switch off the ignition and restart the skipping goes away. First time in the shop dealer replaced the coil,second time he did a factory issued software (?) update. Still waiting to hear from the dealer on the latest attempt to repair. I love the car but this is very annoying.

Pete

I have a 2002 Isuzu Axiom and I've just gotten P1404, P0300 and P0306 ODBII codes. Need advice on how to solve.

stealrz — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:20:13 GMT

2002 Isuzu Axiom.

I changed the intake manifold gasket and now the car runs like crap and has a random/multiple cylinder code? Pontiac Grand Am.

tonyacox — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:08:07 GMT

I changed the intake manifold gaskets upper and lower labeled eveything and put it all back where it goes except mixed 2 push rods up it bent the long push rod beacuse it was suposed to be a short push rod bought a new one and put them where they go. now the car is running realy bad and has a random/multiple cylinder misfire detected code what can this be?

99 3.4L V6 Pontiac Grand Am has white wet smoke coming out.

tonyacox — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:17:02 GMT

My 99 3.4L V6 Pontiac grand am had a bad intake manifold gasket. I don't have a lotta money and knowing the basics about cars I decided to do it myself with my Haynes manual in hand I labeled everything changed it and put it all back together with "no extra parts left" I was so happy I got in and fired it up to hear a loud ping knock knock ping I took the valve cover off to find my 4 year old switched the intake and the exhaust push rods for # 4 cylinder and busted the long push rod in half (where the short should have been).

I went and got a new one nd put it in the right spots. so happy again only to start the car and it runs like crap with the engine jumping and the hole car vibrates real bad and the tail pipe has white wet smoke coming out. But the knocking is gone. Could I have bent a valve?

The guy at the part store told me to check the cam sensor and the wires are frayed and exposed so its getting changed today. if it was a bent valve would it still start? How would it run if it did and can you change on with out taking it all apart? Is there a way to tell if it's bent without having it towed to have a compression check?

Oh the service engine soon light was blinking and it read Random/multiple cylinder misfire detected. Please help, low on cash....

96 Ford Thunderbird v8 with a misfire on cylinder 3. Can somone help me please.

frbird91 — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:22:19 GMT

For the past one year I was having problems with the cylinder 3 and nothing else. I checked all of the hoses, New NGK's Spark Plugs, New MSD Coil Packs, New Bosch Wires, TPS Sensor, New O2 sensors, Pcv Valve, New Mass Air Flow Sensor, EGR Valve, Throttle Body has been cleaned out,No Hose leaks, Spark Plugs has been Gaped. I don't know what else I can do to get this fixed, I did bring the car to a lot of placess and no one knows what's the problem. The car runs like new, I had this car for 6 years and I do all of the maintenance when they are due or before. Can someone help me plz :D

2003 Chevy S-10 misfire at low speed but stops at high speed. Any idea?

smithkh1 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:07:44 GMT

I have been doing a lot of work on this truck and have replaced the engine, transmission, the heads, spark plugs, wires, and the rotor and cap, I've got it all back together but when I started it up there seems to be a misfire but when accelerated above 25-30 mph the misfire stops, there are no codes and I don't have any idea on what to do. Any body have any idea?

Why do I keep blowing iginition coils? VW Passat.

turbo440 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:06:58 GMT

I have a '03 VW Passat (4 cylinder, 1.8 turbo) that keeps blowing ignition coils. I replaced 2 in the 2nd cylinder and 2 in the 3rd cylinder within the past 2 months. Any suggestions why this keeps happening?

2000 Buick LeSabre misfires between 40-45 mph.

2000astrofrank — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:46:32 GMT

2000 Buick LeSabre misfires between 40-45 mph. Once past 45 mph the car runs smoothly. What is causing this, and how do I resolve?

I have a 96 Ford Thunderbird with a V8. Can anyone help me? I have a misfire on cylinder 3.

frbird91 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:37:01 GMT

For the past one year I was having problems with the cylinder 3 and nothing else. I checked all of the hoses, New NGK's Spark Plugs, New MSD Coil Packs, New Bosch Wires, TPS Sensor, New O2 sensors, Pcv Valve, New Mass Air Flow Sensor, EGR Valve, Throttle Body has been cleaned out,No Hose leaks, Spark Plugs has been Gaped. I don't know what else I can do to get this fixed, I did bring the car to a lot of places and no one knows what's the problem. The car runs like new, I had this car for 6 years and I do all of the maintenance when they are due or before. I did a compression test and this is was i got.
(Cyl-1 140.5), (Cyl-2 140.5),
(Cyl-3 120.5), (Cyl-4 140.0), (Cyl-5 140.5), (Cyl-6 145.5), (Cyl-7 135.0), (Cyl-8 145.5). Can someone help me plz :)

99 Dodge Neon is chugging and misfiring.

mgalde — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:30:12 GMT

I have a 99 Neon that is chugging and misfiring on cylinder 1. All four cylinders have some oil seepage around the plug boot. #1 cylinder is sooty and has been getting oil in the cylinder. Ignition coil for that cylinder is working properly, plugs were replaced on 10-12-09.

Is it likely that changing the valve cover gasket will correct this problem or is it possibly more serious than that? Possibly a bad\dirty injector?

I have a 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo SS and a cylinder is misfiring.

daod — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:08:19 GMT

What can I do to fix this without breaking my check book? Do I have to replace the cylinder itself or is there something else that could be causing this?

1993 Chevy Caprice Classic running rough and feels like not all 8 cylinders are working.

rvcivil65 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:55:48 GMT

1993 Caprice Classic with 116K miles. Starts up right away but runs rough.

2002 Chevy S-10, 4.3 l. Runs like it has multiple misfires, but only in the mornings

skeet317 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:03:33 GMT

Every day, when I start to work, the truck feels like it's having multiple misfires, particularly as I gain speed in each gear(has manual trans). After it warms up, it's fine.
plugs, wires, cap and rotor were replaced in April. Has only turned the MIL lamp on once, and that was multiple misfires.
Any suggestions.

I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2004 4.7. Between 30 mph and 40 mph it runs rough.

jca1595 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:55:40 GMT

At all other speeds it does great. Has new engine, less than 300 miles on it

I own a 2002 Ford F-150 and just learned that my engine has a cracked block. How common is this?

jodkondyl — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:51:27 GMT

Well taken care of, seldom trailered heavy loads, 93,000 miles.

Where is cylinder 8 on a V-8 4.6L Northstar Engine? I have a Type A Misfire on cylinder 8. Cadillac Seville STS.

ironman89 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:07:10 GMT

Ok, I am looking at the engine head on. It is put in sideways on my Cadillac Seville model STS yr. 2000. I see the coilpack closest to me which is gray. Under that is where the sparkplugs are. 4 On this coilpack and another 4 on the other side of the engine, the back part towards the cabin. That coilpack, closest to the car main cabin, is black. J

Scanned with my comp. scanner and says cylinder 8 misfire

I have changed all the sparkplugs, and with this being the pain in the ass car it is, has no sparkplug wires. it has 2 coilpacks on each side of the engine. My question is, is getting a coilpack going to fix this problem, and if not what else could be causing my misfire, and what can i do to fix this myself?

ust another detail, the serpentine belt is on the left side looking head on the engine. And if anyone knows where the timing belt is on the engine, I am just curious on the whereabouts are of it.

My Chrysler PT Cruiser started bogging out and misfiring, especially when I would turn on the air conditioning. Diagnoses please.

cruiserme — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:09:16 GMT

My PT Cruiser started misfiring the other day, (esp) when it had anything to do with the electrical, (air conditioning).

I removed the relay unit and replaced it with a new one, well now the service light is on, whereas before it was not, do I just need a tune up or replace the upper relay too?

Chrysler PT Cruiser
2004 Standard

2000 Jeep Cherokee 6 cylinder misfire on number 4 cylinder.

jwise9 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:38:10 GMT

I have replaced the plug, compression very good, replaced coil pack, replaced injector, replaced the pcm. I just can't find the problem. I sprayed carb cleaner over the intake gasket.

I just can't seem to find the problem current is going to the injector. I crossed the plug and the wire works. Any suggestions?

I have a 2002 Mercury Sable GS that is misfiring on startup. I have the code and what it means, what next?

clarinetmunkie — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:11:39 GMT

I have a 2002 Mercury Sable GS. My check engine light has been on for quite some time, and every time I get it hooked up to the machine I get the DTC Code P0316. The code means engine misfire detected on start up (first 1000 revolutions). What does this mean and how can I fix it?

Lincoln Mark VIII running bad.

caristo — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:20:49 GMT

I have a Lincoln mark VIII 1995. it has a newer engine in it (60,000) and the body only has a 100,000. The car still runs like crap. Any ideas? I'd appreciate any help I could get?

Dead cylinder on a 95 Lincoln Mark VIII.

caristo — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:50:09 GMT

How hard of a fix is a dead cylinder in a Lincoln Mark VIII?

My 97 Plymouth Grand Voyager runs rough and it shows code po300. Any ideas where to start?

ckearby — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:07:40 GMT

I dont know where to start can anyone please help me? its a 3.0 motor. Pops back through the air breather but if I floor it, it doesn't pop.

Lincoln Navigator 1998. 6th cylinder misfiring after changing cold air intake.

mafri — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:42:20 GMT

Hi,

I have a Lincoln Navigator 1998 5,4L 4WD and made a change of the cold air intake. Two days after the change, I noticed that my car is riding without power and misfiring.

An electronic check revealed my opinion as it says, that the 6th cylinder is failing (or misfiring). Has this something to do with the change and could there be the MAF be involved?

Thanks

01 Chevy Silverado. Why would a newly overhauled engine run rich?

crackerjack2 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:45:39 GMT

Just finished engine overhaul(OH) of 4.3 liter v6 on 01 Silverado. At initial start-up it's running rich and missing. The truck sat for 6 months but ran good before OH. Plugs are new, starts great, runs rough. Other problem is auto tranny won't go into gear. Fluids are full. Service engine light is on, I'm guessing from oxygen sensor(at least). Any suggestions to fix the engine misfire(rich fuel mixture)? Whats the easiest way to tell if an injector is leaking? Thanks for your help.

2002 BMW X5 EBD error codes p0300, p1342, p1346, p1347, p1349, and p1350. I replaced the sparkplugs, but I still get codes.

polo5 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:27:44 GMT

The error codes come up after driving 10-20 miles.

I have a 93 Chevy 2500 series truck and can't figure out why I cant get it in time. What is the trick to do this?

rucuss — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:44:51 GMT

How do you time a 93 Chevy 2500 series truck? Is there a brain that needs to be reset? Or what?

2002 Pontiac Montana with intermittent misfire, can't diagnose.

flyer27 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:59:36 GMT

2002 Montana with 3.4L, FWD, engine has intermittent misfire especially around 1500RPM. Once the engine block heats up, the misfire tends to fade away but does not always disappear. It is starting to get worse after driving with the problem for about 1000 miles. Have replaced ignition plugs, cables, coils and ignition module, fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator. The only code that pops up is a misfire code - duh. I'm starting to think crankshaft sensor - is there any way to diagnose that? What else to look at? 150,000 miles. Fuel system flushed at 110,000.