Engine question

cathy_p · #1 07-13-2004, 12:50 PM

Hi. I am very happy I found this site. I have a beautiful Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Well, I used to have. Someone jealous totally vandalized my car last week. It will take me months to get the care in shape.
I need an advice. I am having problem with engine (or I guess it is engine). It started yesterday. It drives only on 3 cylinders. When I stop and want to move again, the car/engine starts shaking. I can even hear the engine - it is like it is hitting something.
My dad understands cars but live 3 hours driving from me. He said it could be a lot of things - maybe Fuel Pump?
I took it to a car services. The guy said it was spark plugs, changed the, and charged $50. OK. I was happy. I left and the car was driving like before. BAD! It drives 10mph to a hill!
I took to a different service but they would have to charge me $90 just for checking. I convinced the guy just to drive it. He told me, he thinks that there is something wrong with plug wires.
OK. I have to also say that the Check Engine light is on.
I know that you cannot say what is wrong with it. It could be a lot of things. I just want to know if anyone has the same experience and knows what to do.
I cannot spend a lot of money just for checking.
I was also thinking if the mexicans who destroyed my car couldn't poure something into my gas tank.
Thanks

LandoAWD · #2 07-13-2004, 12:55 PM

Turbo or non-turbo?

When was the fuel filter last changed?

Take the car to Advance or AutoZone and have them pull the codes from the check engine light. That ought to narrow this down a bit.

guitarXgeek · #3 07-13-2004, 12:58 PM

Take your car up to Autozone and have them do a free scanning to figure out why your check engine light is on. It only takes a few seconds for them to plug the thing in and tell you what's causing the check engine light, plus it's free! Do that and then come back and tell us what the codes are!

guitarXgeek · #4 07-13-2004, 12:58 PM

Bah, you beat me to it, Lando!

LandoAWD · #5 07-13-2004, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarXgeek

Bah, you beat me to it, Lando!

I'm still curious as to whether it is forced induction or N/A. It could be a simple as the MAS being unplugged or something silly like that.

cathy_p · #6 07-13-2004, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandoAWD

Turbo or non-turbo?

When was the fuel filter last changed?

Take the car to Advance or AutoZone and have them pull the codes from the check engine light. That ought to narrow this down a bit.

It is non-turbo. I will go there today. Hopefully, it will be only the fuel filter. I've never changed - I bought the car a year ago

LandoAWD · #7 07-13-2004, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cathy_p

It is non-turbo. I will go there today. Hopefully, it will be only the fuel filter. I've never changed - I bought the car a year ago

I doubt that would throw a code, but it is possible.

Let us know what you find out.

cathy_p · #8 07-13-2004, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarXgeek

Take your car up to Autozone and have them do a free scanning to figure out why your check engine light is on. It only takes a few seconds for them to plug the thing in and tell you what's causing the check engine light, plus it's free! Do that and then come back and tell us what the codes are!

Thanks. As I said in a previous message, I will go there today and I will write the code here. Thank you a lot.
I was just wondering if every AutoZone does it.

ashah000 · #9 07-13-2004, 01:34 PM

Yep they all do it. Also what year is your car?

LandoAWD · #10 07-13-2004, 01:35 PM

It's a 95 ashah000.

ashah000 · #11 07-13-2004, 01:44 PM

Alright then if you do not want to goto autozone you can do the 'keydance'.
"To check the PCM codes, insert the key into the ignition and switch the key ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON within a 5 sec. time period. Then count the Engine light flashes. The number of flashes represents the trouble code. There is a slight pause between the flashes representing the first and second digits of the code. Longer pauses separate indivdual trouble codes. All codes will end with 55 which signifies End of Codes / No detected failure."

And then look the codes up here.. http://www.2gnt.com/nuke/modules.php...rticle&artid=8

cathy_p · #12 07-13-2004, 07:51 PM

I am back. The code isP0403. It is EGR problem. I also bought new plug wires and something for cleaning gas system. Now, I just need to change fuel filter and repair the problem. I just have no ide how much it is going to cost me.
Thanks all for help

Chavez408 · #13 07-13-2004, 07:58 PM

why not just do it yourself

JoeWagon · #14 07-13-2004, 10:35 PM

I would have never guessed the EGR could cause a rough running engine, maybe it's staying open? I don't think you will be able to diagnose it yourself, but if you tell a mechanic the code, they shouldnt charge TOO much to figure out exactly what it is. Another freebie tech tip is to call Mitsubishi service, and ask if an EGR code could cause it to run like it does. Sometimes they know what they are talking about

Good luck.

ashah000 · #15 07-13-2004, 10:46 PM

The whole code is.. P0403 EGR transducer circuit open or shorted

Whatever that means

My best guess is that it shorted so now the egr is constantly staying open. It cant be constantly closed because then you would have another code 'insuffient flow'

I would just take the EGR out if you want to do it the cheap way.

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