Flashing SES after plugs/wires changed
05-04-2004, 09:21 PM
#1
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Flashing SES after plugs/wires changed
I just had my plugs and wires changed and was on a trip back to my house from my parents (105 miles or so) about 90 miles in, the SES light started to flash, it would flash 5 times and then stay solid, and then randomly repeat itself. From what I know, that means there is probably a random cylinder misfire.
The car runs/starts great, although when I first picked it up you could tell it was running much smoother, now since the light came on you can tell it kind of "gurgles" a little bit more then usual, sorry for the vague description but that's the only thing I can think of to describe it.
Any help? Is a wire not connected all the way or a plug wire burnt or any other suggestions.
The plugs were replaced with the same exact ones that came out, AC DELCO platinum something or another and the wires are OEM replacements from Borg Warner.
The car runs/starts great, although when I first picked it up you could tell it was running much smoother, now since the light came on you can tell it kind of "gurgles" a little bit more then usual, sorry for the vague description but that's the only thing I can think of to describe it.
Any help? Is a wire not connected all the way or a plug wire burnt or any other suggestions.
The plugs were replaced with the same exact ones that came out, AC DELCO platinum something or another and the wires are OEM replacements from Borg Warner.
05-04-2004, 10:34 PM
#2
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Is it running smooth? Are you sure they are all routed correctly?
05-05-2004, 05:53 AM
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Originally posted by shoebox
Is it running smooth? Are you sure they are all routed correctly?
Is it running smooth? Are you sure they are all routed correctly?
For the first 100 miles or so, it was fine, as soon as the SES came on it seems like it started to run a little bit choppy although not what I would call "rough".
I doubt they are routed incorrectly, as it was running fine for a while, so I'm sure 2 wires didnt just come unconnected and switch themselves.
05-05-2004, 08:41 AM
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More than likely it is related to your recent spark plug and wire change. If you have an Autozone nearby or access to a scanner, I'd scan the car and figure out which cylinder is misfiring. You can also check to make sure all the spark plugs are in there tight and that none of the wires are loosely connected on the plugs and opti.
05-05-2004, 08:49 AM
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Originally posted by EviLBoX
More than likely it is related to your recent spark plug and wire change. If you have an Autozone nearby or access to a scanner, I'd scan the car and figure out which cylinder is misfiring. You can also check to make sure all the spark plugs are in there tight and that none of the wires are loosely connected on the plugs and opti.
More than likely it is related to your recent spark plug and wire change. If you have an Autozone nearby or access to a scanner, I'd scan the car and figure out which cylinder is misfiring. You can also check to make sure all the spark plugs are in there tight and that none of the wires are loosely connected on the plugs and opti.
There is an autozone here, I will go after the stupid cable guy gets here. Do all autozones scan for free? They can scan OBD2 there?
05-05-2004, 08:52 AM
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Open up the hood after dark and turn he car on. See if you can see any of the plugs arching to the manifolds, or other metal things in the area. If any of the plugs were accidently cracked during installation, this could be your culprit.
The other red flag that pops up in my head is that you were able to drive about 90 miles before the problem started. That is probably just about long enough for one of the wires to burn through if it was laying on or near the manifolds/headers. Check all of your wires to see if they have burnt through. If they have, they can sometimes ground out and cause a misfire...
The other red flag that pops up in my head is that you were able to drive about 90 miles before the problem started. That is probably just about long enough for one of the wires to burn through if it was laying on or near the manifolds/headers. Check all of your wires to see if they have burnt through. If they have, they can sometimes ground out and cause a misfire...
05-05-2004, 08:54 AM
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Originally posted by hot_red_z28
Open up the hood after dark and turn he car on. See if you can see any of the plugs arching to the manifolds, or other metal things in the area. If any of the plugs were accidently cracked during installation, this could be your culprit.
Open up the hood after dark and turn he car on. See if you can see any of the plugs arching to the manifolds, or other metal things in the area. If any of the plugs were accidently cracked during installation, this could be your culprit.
The other red flag that pops up in my head is that you were able to drive about 90 miles before the problem started. That is probably just about long enough for one of the wires to burn through if it was laying on or near the manifolds/headers. Check all of your wires to see if they have burnt through. If they have, they can sometimes ground out and cause a misfire...
05-05-2004, 09:21 AM
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Originally posted by Blue89Bird
I can't even see the damn wires from under the hood, do you have to get at it from underneath or what?
I can't even see the damn wires from under the hood, do you have to get at it from underneath or what?
05-05-2004, 11:03 AM
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Is there any funny smell under the hood? That will point you in burnt wire direction. Try to push wires boots on opti to make sure they are all fitted tight. They are at the angle which allows them to become loose if not properly put. If your car is not lowered it can be done without lift. Passenger side - from top, driver - from bottom.
Last edited by valter; 05-05-2004 at 11:09 AM.
05-05-2004, 03:21 PM
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Originally posted by Blue89Bird
Went to autozone, code is: PO300 Random Cylinder Misfire
Went to autozone, code is: PO300 Random Cylinder Misfire
I'm going to wait until it gets dark and check for arcing, any other ideas?
05-05-2004, 04:31 PM
#14
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ok, I got under there and looked, and it doesn't look like any of them are touching, although I couldn't see so well, mostly felt around.
I'm going to go buy a set of rhino ramps and get a better look, any particular areas I should look at moreso then others?
I'm going to go buy a set of rhino ramps and get a better look, any particular areas I should look at moreso then others?
05-05-2004, 05:57 PM
#15
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Originally posted by valter
Is there any funny smell under the hood? That will point you in burnt wire direction. Try to push wires boots on opti to make sure they are all fitted tight. They are at the angle which allows them to become loose if not properly put. If your car is not lowered it can be done without lift. Passenger side - from top, driver - from bottom.
Is there any funny smell under the hood? That will point you in burnt wire direction. Try to push wires boots on opti to make sure they are all fitted tight. They are at the angle which allows them to become loose if not properly put. If your car is not lowered it can be done without lift. Passenger side - from top, driver - from bottom.
