|
so i've taken this car to two mechanics and neither can figure out the real probem here--they just charge me for temporary fixes. back in december it had a really rough idle, would go 5 feet and then stall in the driveway, sounded like it was flooded. i left it at home (had to go back to college that day) and my mom took it to the mechanic--got the fuel pressure regulator and the spark plugs replaced.
couple weeks later CEL comes back. i drive it for another few weeks, until once the idle gets really rough, mpg takes a nosedive and then finally dies again after starting. i check the codes:
2-2-1 heated 02 sensor (rich mixture/part throttle)
2-3-1
1-1-3 02 sensor max enrichment sensed
ignition: 2-1-4 ignition RPM signal erratic
i figure the engine's running rich and flooding the engine again. i check the hoses for anything loose because that's all i can do, then take it to the local mechanic (car had died while i was at college this time).
they spend 5 hours running tests--mass air flow is fine, temp sensor is fine, 02 sensor had a bad wire but not enough to flood the engine, coils okay...they were bewildered what made it so bad (called a tech line for help too), but after cleaning everything and replacing the spark plugs (already fouled up 2 months after getting new ones) car was running fine out of the shop, quiet idle and smooth ride so they sent me on my way.
then i take it on the highway the next day. engine gets a little louder, and then soon as i take the exit ramp the CEL is back. checked the codes:
1-1-3
2-3-2 lean/rich at idle
here's what i've noticed: the CEL turns off after they do some patch-up job, but the first time i take it on the highway as soon as i come off it lights up again. also over time the idle get more rough and the mpg gradually goes down, last time to 13 before it finally died. paying for so many tests and not getting a real diagnosis is pretty annoying (they offered to look at it again at a discount) but i'm looking for a second opinion. any ideas?
|
