Misfire Detected...

Nuzzy · Oct 30, 2006

So, a number of months back the check engine light came on in my 2000 dodge stratus 2.5L v6. The car has always (since I bought it) had a somewhat rough idle, but after the code tripped, the idle got worse. Plus it would stutter during acceleration at freeway speed. Took it to Schucks to check the code - turned out to be a P0304 cylinder 4 misfire detected. I figured I'd start with the easy stuff and replace the plugs and wires. While doing that, I found the plug wire internal connection point loose and actually ripped away from the wire in the 4th cylinder. Seemed like a likely problem to cause the misfire... So I get the rest of the plugs and wires changed and button everything back up. Head out on a test drive and everything's back to normal and the CEL turns off. Everything is fine for a few weeks, until the CEL turns back on

Weif takes it back to Schucks and gets the new readout:

Pending Codes:
P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
P0306 Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected
P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

Freeze Codes:
P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

Does anyone have any brilliant ideas what could be causing these?

:booo: :booo: :booo:

KarlVP · Oct 30, 2006

Distributor cap? Distributor rotor?

Bunk1 · Oct 30, 2006

KarlVP said:
Distributor cap? Distributor rotor?

HAHAHAHA. LOL:haha: :haha: :haha:

It has dis. (distributorless ignition system)

I say coil pack or coil pack connection.

CrustyJeep · Oct 30, 2006

Could also be shitty injector spray patterns. They should spray. If they squirt, you get a funny cylinder.

SnoFalls · Oct 30, 2006

My guess ... bad ground

check EVERY ground wire for that fancy/shmancy ignition system ya got there ... :flipoff:

seriously, an intermittant ground from an ignitor relay or whatever can trip codes like this "every once in a while"

4xjunkie · Oct 30, 2006

There is alot of things that can set misfire codes.
First you need to figure out if it is really misfiring.

I first recommend you quit taking it to schucks for diag.

It could be, injectors, cam sensor, crank sensor, grounds, connections, plugs ( did you double check your plugs)did you use the correct plugs? I have even see intermittent sticking valves,or internal problems in compontents.

looks like # 4 is still your main problem

Sorry I don't have any answers for you.

Avanteone · Oct 31, 2006

Bunk said:
HAHAHAHA. LOL:haha: :haha: :haha:

It has dis. (distributorless ignition system)

I say coil pack or coil pack connection.

Actually, the 2.5 V6 DOES still have a dist. cap and rotor.

If you haven't replaced those, Eric.. I'd put a cap and rotor on it. And in this application, don't trust the aftermarket garbage, go to the dealer and buy 'em. They're part #'s MD619050 and MD619276. Figure on about $65 for the pair. Another possibility and common /w those cars is dirty injectors. Now that the problem has re-ocurred, when does it happen? Idle, accel? Hard accel (heavey throttle) or light throttle steady state cruise?

John

Bunk1 · Oct 31, 2006

Avanteone said:
Actually, the 2.5 V6 DOES still have a dist. cap and rotor.

If you haven't replaced those, Eric.. I'd put a cap and rotor on it. And in this application, don't trust the aftermarket garbage, go to the dealer and buy 'em. They're part #'s MD619050 and MD619276. Figure on about $65 for the pair. Another possibility and common /w those cars is dirty injectors. Now that the problem has re-ocurred, when does it happen? Idle, accel? Hard accel (heavey throttle) or light throttle steady state cruise?

John

Woah, well what can i say. My fingernails have been clean for 10+ years. Im suprised they use a old school distributor still.

Weifallo · Nov 1, 2006

Avanteone said:
Actually, the 2.5 V6 DOES still have a dist. cap and rotor.

If you haven't replaced those, Eric.. I'd put a cap and rotor on it. And in this application, don't trust the aftermarket garbage, go to the dealer and buy 'em. They're part #'s MD619050 and MD619276. Figure on about $65 for the pair. Another possibility and common /w those cars is dirty injectors. Now that the problem has re-ocurred, when does it happen? Idle, accel? Hard accel (heavey throttle) or light throttle steady state cruise?

John

The idle is the worst when I start to let off the brake. It can lurch pretty hard sometimes. When I try to accel up a hill or something it doesn't have quite the power it used to have. A lot of the times I feel like it should shift, but it doesn't.

Most of the time I just feel like it should be a little more responsive power-wise. It just doesn't have the kick it used to.

Thanks for all of the suggestions though.... I let Eric drive it today, so hopefully he'll have some more insight after he takes it for a spin...