Look,this is weird. Bad plugs=runs good, Good plugs=runs bad

[browserealty]

Hello, I purchased my 98 villager at 85,000 miles. At 89,000 the tranny lost 2nd and OD. Check engine light came on, and showed three codes. Tranny torque converter, O2 sensor and knock sensor. I replace tranny with a used one with 62K. Started the vehicle and check engine light came off.

That was about 2 months ago. I started to get a ping. Took the old plugs out and they were bad (worn). I replace them and went ahead and did a new cap and rotor. Well it starts missing. It drives fine, but at idle in Park it has a mis. So I put the old (very worn plugs in) and no mis. Thought to try another set of plugs. Bought some other ones. Same thing, miss. Put the old back in = no miss. I am not going to drive around with bad plugs = bad gas milage so I put the new in. Like I said it drives just fine. Today I had the check engine light come on. I am so upset I took the darn check engine bulb out so I would not have to see that dumb light.

My question is, why would it not miss with the old plugs but with the new. I am thinking about replacing the TPS and O2 sensor. What do you think??

All comments are appreciated.

The Rev. AC

[jkjmmat]

I have a 96 Villager with 155k. I have the same problem your describing. Did you ever find what the problem was.

Mine was running fine, power was getting lower and fuel mileage was dropping like a rock. I changed plugs, wires and went ahead and changed the cap/rotar. All were in need of repair.

Now I have the exact same problem you described. I have not put the old plugs back in yet, it's getting dark outside. Will try tomorrow.

DID YOU EVER FIND THE FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM!

Thanks jkjmmat

[dzus]

Did you reset the computer after doing the work? The van needs to "re-learn" the new engine parameters,values,temp,driving conditions,etc...or it uses the same stored information with new parts installed.

[superdesi]

In addition, exactly what plugs did you buy?

[browserealty]

Originally Posted by dzus

Did you reset the computer after doing the work? The van needs to "re-learn" the new engine parameters,values,temp,driving conditions,etc...or it uses the same stored information with new parts installed.

Hello, How do you reset the computer on the villager. You mentioned it need to re-learn. Thank you.

As far as the plugs goes, I first replaced with standard AC plugs and then went to a platinum. Still the same thing. If I put the old ones in, it will run fine. My gas milage is great though. The Rev. AC

[wastedemu]

I had the same problem on my 94 villager. I found out that it was the gap on the plugs. The store baught ones do not have the right gap!!!
use feeler guages. I think mine were .38

[drcoffee]

Originally Posted by wastedemu

I had the same problem on my 94 villager. I found out that it was the gap on the plugs. The store baught ones do not have the right gap!!!
use feeler guages. I think mine were .38

Make sure you bought the correct plugs. The heat range may be different. Also, make sure you gap the plugs before installing them.

If it seems like just one is missing, you can one at a time disconnect a plug wire and see if it makes a difference. When you get to the bad plug, there will be no difference in the engine sound. All others will worsen the idle. Caution: turn off the engine before you disconnect the wires and re-start.