Service Engine light stays on

[Lettermen]

I've done everything i know to do, but my service engine light continues to stay on my 97 Grand Voyager. Replaced the plugs--wires--cap and rotor but it still still comes back on a day after the mechanic clears the computer.

I'm starting to wonder if i have something more serious going on. any Ideas without me spending an arm & a Leg?

Ps: I've had so much go wrong with this car since i bought it 2 months ago (Approx 1,200 in repairs) that i'm getting ready to sell it if this keeps up...I might add, even though i recently had it tuned up its still idling somewhat rough while stationary in drive.

I really need help if someone has an idea of whats going on. i like the van alot, but not if its going to kill my pocket book and thats what its been doing.

Thanks---Rick

[GTP Dad]

First of all what is the code that you are seeing. Just clearing the code does not correct the problem. If you can find out the code and post it we can help solve the problem. Autozone will scan it for free and give you advice on how to fix it.

[Lettermen]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

First of all what is the code that you are seeing. Just clearing the code does not correct the problem. If you can find out the code and post it we can help solve the problem. Autozone will scan it for free and give you advice on how to fix it.

Took it to auto zone as you suggested. They scanned it and found the same old problem in spite of all i've done and that is there is a random miss + the same miss in # 6. He cleared the codes from what i could tell but i'm sure the Engine service light will be back on tomorrow...Rick

[GTP Dad]

Random misfires are the most common and most frustrating of all the engine codes to get rid of. If you have changed plugs and wires the other areas you may want to look are the coils and the injectors. You didn't post mileage but if you are over 100K there is a possibility that the injector, especially on #6 is bad and will need replaced. One trick to try is to replace the injector with one from another cylinder and if the misfire moves you have your culprit. If you have not done so already you may want to also replace the fuel filter.

[Lettermen]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Random misfires are the most common and most frustrating of all the engine codes to get rid of. If you have changed plugs and wires the other areas you may want to look are the coils and the injectors. You didn't post mileage but if you are over 100K there is a possibility that the injector, especially on #6 is bad and will need replaced. One trick to try is to replace the injector with one from another cylinder and if the misfire moves you have your culprit. If you have not done so already you may want to also replace the fuel filter.

Thank you GTP. Sounds like your on to something here. I'll relay the info tommr to my Mech and ask him to follow your advice.

By the way, this may not mean much, but i took the Van to Auto Zone yesterday and they ran a scan then cleared off the codes. so far, the Engine light has not come back on and it usually does sooner when the codes were cleared before. Does this tell you anything? Rick

[GTP Dad]

It is possible that the misfires have finally stopped especially if the light has not come back on. The changes you have made may have finally eliminated the problem and just took a while for the misfire to clear itself. Drive it for a while and see what happens. If it doesn't come back on then problem cured, if it does then scan it again to see if it is the same issue if it is try the injector change to see what happens. Good Luck!

[Lettermen]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

It is possible that the misfires have finally stopped especially if the light has not come back on. The changes you have made may have finally eliminated the problem and just took a while for the misfire to clear itself. Drive it for a while and see what happens. If it doesn't come back on then problem cured, if it does then scan it again to see if it is the same issue if it is try the injector change to see what happens. Good Luck!

Just to update you GTP, the Engine light did come back on tonight, Sunday eve. I was hoping since it stayed out since yesterday, that would be it, but no such luck. Anyhow, I'm taking the van to another mech Mon morning and have done what you explained.

If you only knew what I've been through with this Voyager since I purchased in only 1 1/2 months ago. its almost mind boggling. I mean almost every front end part needed replaced not to mention other stuff and so far I have approx 1,300 in repairs. I really liked the van, but so far, its a dam friggin nightmare!!

Anyhow, thanks much for staying with me on this one. I don't feel so alone with this now & it's Very much appreciated...

Rick