For six months I have been trying to help my SO fix her mini-van. The mini-van is a 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager, 3.0L V-6, Automatic with around 128,000 miles. Several months back, her check engine light illuminated, however the car ran OK and the mileage seemed "normal."
Round One - Local Dodge dealer performed a "tune up." Mostly new new plugs. Light stayed out for a few days.
Round Two - Local Western Auto replaced plugs and wires. Light stayed out for a few days.
Round Three - Western Auto Again - replaced plugs again. Light was out for a few days.
Round Four - yours truly - Used ignition switch method to trigger code read out." Got code 43. Checked coil resistance compared to manual, decided it was not quite right, so I replaced it. Disconnected battery and the light stayed out for almost a week.
Round Five - Used code reader and got P0300 and P0305 codes (random misfire and misfire on #5 cylinder). Checked plugs, they looked fine. I decided that maybe the plug wire was not on correctly. Reset light. THe light stayed out for almost a week.
Round Six - Same codes as before. Replaced wires and #5 plug. Reset light. Stayed out for a couple of days.
Round Seven - Same codes as before plus P0306. Decided problem might be leaking intake manifold gaskets, so I replaced them. Reset the light and it stayed out for about three days.
Round Eight - P0300 and P0305 Codes again. In desperation I replaced Plug #5 with another brand NGK and replaced the O2 Sensor with a genuine Chrysler Part. Light stayed out for 3 days but the vehicle did not complete the OBDII Driving Cycle.
Round Nine - Dodge Dealer again. Same Codes. Dealer performs compression test and says the compression is fine. Performs a Leak Down Test and says based on this test, the engine is shot and should be replaced - for $4,000.
Round Ten - HELP!
$4,000 is a lot to but into this van. It is only worth around $4,500 in good condition. I am suspicious of the diagnosis that the van needs a new engine. It runs OK. Not perfect, but no oil usage, no smoke, idle is little rough, but runs smooth at speed. P0305 code usually shows up with a couple of days after resetting the computer. I have certainly driven vehicles that run worse. If I leave the code reader connected to the engine, I never see the mis-fire condition. The problem is almost always the same P0300 along with P0305. Once P0306 was also found, but this was a typical. Not fixing the problem is not an option since this is an OBDII Inspection area.
I am willing to try miracle cures......
Regards,
Ed White