I am about to put a rag in the gas cap.......
Was getting the proverbial x type problem of "cruise not available" and hesitation when accelerating blah blah blah.
Have seen a thousand threads on this.....
Here is my problem....
Same action after I:
1) Replaced all plugs and coils
2) Replaced upper and lower intake gaskets
3) Replaced all vacuum hoses
4) Replaced IMT rings
5) Replaced air filter
6) Cleaned MAF sensor
Folks......I am going crazy.
Any ideas besides my rag/gas cap combo?
Thanks

 

bowhunter, from the sounds of things, you are suffering from a throttlebody that is in need of some work. With this being said, you are not going to like the answer. The simple answer is to get a new throttlebody. But, a new one is about $1600 (oh, you want it installed, that is more). I have played with a throttle body and so has one of the members here. From the looks of things, you are suffering from a throttlebody that has a week spring holding the brushes against the rotor for the throttlebody motor. The big trick with this is you need a special socket (think torx, but only with 5 points). These can be had from e-bay by looking up "5 point torx" (see 5 Point Torx Tamper Proof Bit Set Fits Many German Cars T10 to T50 | eBay)

From there, you can open up the throttlebody and tweak the springs holding the brushes in place to put a little more downward force on the brushes.

Before you go through all this, I see you have done a lot of tune up work, but have you cleaned the throttlebody? That may solve your issue. Get yourself a can of throttlebody cleaner (not carb cleaner) and open up the throttlebody using your finger and wash away all the brown stain that you see on the inside of the throttlebody. Make sure you spray some on a rag and wipe the edge of the butterfly valve to make sure that you are not having issues from the gum causing the butterfly valve to stick to the throttlebody bore.

You may find that the car will be "flooded" after this. NOt a problem. Get into the car like you are going to start it but floor the car (push the gas pedal down as far as it will go). Start the car with the gas pedal floored. This will cause the fuel injectors to not admit any fuel to the engine and it will clear things. You will feel the car try to start and you can then start feathering the gas pedal to bring it up to idle.

 

Thermo,
Thanks for the answer and I will try cleaning it today as well and see if it helps.
Also forgot to mention that I couldn't even get it to drive down street until I cleaned the MAF which is the very last thing I did last night.
If cleaning the TB does not solve the issue,could it be the MAF?
If so,Advanced has it for about $80.....
I greatly appreciate your response and your knowledge.

 

bowhunter, I would see what codes are inside the computer. Before we just go tossing parts at the car, having a general idea of what is going on would be nice. It may very well be that the MAF sensor needs replacing based on what you are describing. It could be a bad vacuum leak. this is where the code(s) will tell the tale.

 

Thermo,
here are the same codes I started with and have cleared after each replacement part was installed.
Replaced the MAF today since I did not know if it had ever been done.Also cleaned the throttle body like you said,removed fuses f32 and f36 for about 10 minutes..............same deal.
I hope to not have to replace the TB but obviously will if I have to.
Here are the codes that keep coming up no matter what:

0300
0301
0303
0305
p0037
p0351
p1000
p1313
p1646
p1647

X type 2.5 139,388
Thanks again in advance.

 

At that kind of mileage I'm wondering what the 02 Lambda sensors are like?
probably getting really poor gas mileage as well?


P1313 Misfire Rate Catalyst Damage Fault - Bank 1
P1646 Linear O2 Sensor Control Chip (Bank 1)
P1647 Linear O2 Sensor Control Chip (Bank 2)

 

bowhunter, from the codes that you posted, 2 have sparked my interest. Specially they are P0037 and P0351. P0037 says that you have a problem with the Bank 1 downstream sensor heater circuit. Mostly based on the miles on your car, this is a bad O2 sensor. A new sensor and that should be resolve your issues. The P0351 code is for an ignition module problem with the #1 cylinder (which is most likely leading to the other P03XX codes). So, you may have a bad coil causing all this madness. The other possibilities is either the ECM is bad for the #1 cylinder or the wiring between the computer and the coil has been damaged. So, most likely you don't have a throttlebody issue. But, I would say at this point you may be better served by taking it to a shop to be looked at unless you are willing to hand over the wiring and do some intake removal work.

If you are willing to remove the intake, I would say to remove the coil from Cylinder #1 (along the firewall, nearest the passenger tire) and swap it with the #2 coil (near the radiator, by the passenger headlight). At this point, you can clear the codes and see if the problem moves over to a P0302 and P0352 code. This would then confirm you have a bad coil. From there, you can replace the #2 coil without removing anything. Granted, while you have the intake off, this will be a prime time to inspect the wiring from the bad coils to the plug in the firewall for any damage. This will then most likely point you to a bad ECM if you have the same codes (specifically P0301 and P0351) and the wiring looks good.

Hope this gives you a place to start and give you an idea of where you are heading.

 

I have replaced the coils with new ones but did think to give brand and part number and see if they are the right ones maybe?
They are Intermotor brand from Advanced Auto,their part number is E915.
Thanks for the patience and can't wait till this kitty purrs like normal again.
Will change the O2's and report back as well.

 

Also,have smell of fuel and gas mileage shows estimated 10mpg........

 

No guarantees, but smelling fuel ( over fuelling probably ) and very low gas mileage could probably be pointing to the 02 sensors

Just my 2c

 

Thanks Jim.....gonna change those pesky 02's tomorrow and see what happens,Thermo said same direction.
Fun fact: My grandfather is from Co. Angus in Scotland!!!!!

 

Also this kitty does normally get around 28hwy/23-24 in town

 

Changed the two up stream o2 sensors since they were what codes 1646 and 1647 pointed too.....cleared codes,same symptoms.
Thermo,you said downstream and I guess thats the next try....like I said,I put all new coils and plugs in.
Love the kitty,gotta feed the kitty.
I really appreciate all of the help Thermo and Jim

 

Changed the downstream O2 that gave me the P0037 code.
Cleared codes......thats gone!!!
Only codes now is:
P0300- random misfire
P1313-warning me of damage to cats if I'm not careful
P0351-coil at #1 cylinder.
Thermo......gonna do what ya said and swap #1 and #2 today.
Was trying to avoid taking it apart again but hey.....I ain't skeered!!!!
Let yall know what happens.
Thanks for all the help guys.

 

Keep at! Sounds like you are almost there. I salute your perseverance!

 

+1 can't be far away from resolution

 

Thermo,Jim,Alfadude.........
The kat is purring like new!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moved the coil from #1 to #2 like Thermo said.....
code moved to #2 as well.
Changed coil for new one and off we go.
Had replaced the coils to start but even though it was new it was no good.
Guys,thanks again for all the help......now,on to my electrical gremlin in the tail/brakelights......
I will post problem,see if we can figure it out.

 

Thanks all. I'm having the same issues and it's been driving me nuts. Did most everything in this story with exception of switching coils...I have hope.

 

bowhunter, that is why we are here. A little bit of encouragement can do wonders.

 

knock sensor