'97 concorde nutin' but problems

[menriquez]

we bought a 97' concorde from my mom after my dad passed and this piece of crap has been nothing but HUGE headache from the moment we hit 90k...but anyway, here is the latest problem (after we have pretty much replaced everything on it over the past 18 months).

The check engine light has come on and the engine is bogging at about 40 mph and a little at startup. The "key code trick" seems to give 1243, although I don't claim to be a gearhead when it comes to reading this.

Looking up this code, it seems to related to a turbocharger problem, but I wasn't aware that this model even HAS a turbocharge...but then again I don't claim to understand all of this.

Can anyone help me with a little bit of understanding here?

advTHANSance,
- mark

[theFREAKnasty82]

the 1243 are two seperate codes, the 12 means the battery has been disconnected w/in the last 50 start ups. 43 means you have a misfire in one or more cylinders. If you have the 3.5 V6, chances are, your intake manifold gasket has failed, common problem on the 3.5 V6 engines. You don't have a turbo, so that's not even an issue for you.

[menriquez]

Originally Posted by theFREAKnasty82

the 1243 are two seperate codes, the 12 means the battery has been disconnected w/in the last 50 start ups. 43 means you have a misfire in one or more cylinders. If you have the 3.5 V6, chances are, your intake manifold gasket has failed, common problem on the 3.5 V6 engines. You don't have a turbo, so that's not even an issue for you.

Wow, that is great info...thanks! Is this the type of repair that a non-pro can handle and do you have a link, or should I let my garage handle this (again)??

What a GREAT resourse this site is. I am glad I found it and thanks to you esp. FREAK!

- mark

[theFREAKnasty82]

you can do it yourself, as long as your patient, take your time and have the right tools, you can do it in about 2-3 hours for a novice. Your car has two seperate intake manifolds, the upper portion, also known as the plenum, and the lower portion. The part that usually fails is the lower portion that attaches to the cylinder head.

[menriquez]

Originally Posted by theFREAKnasty82

you can do it yourself, as long as your patient, take your time and have the right tools, you can do it in about 2-3 hours for a novice. Your car has two seperate intake manifolds, the upper portion, also known as the plenum, and the lower portion. The part that usually fails is the lower portion that attaches to the cylinder head.

Ok, well we took care of replacing the spark plugs, ignition wires, and gasket, but now the code we are getting is 22. I lost the link to the site that listed codes, so can you PLEASE enlighten me with this one?

thanks, again...

[theFREAKnasty82]

your coolant temp sensor is either too high or too low caused by either a bad sensor or it being unplugged. I suggest checking around your upper radiator hose and make sure that electrical connector is plugged in.

[menriquez]

Freak, you rock...no, really...you were right I just jiggled the temp sensor wires near the radiator thermostat and the problem has gone away. You have no idea how many points I have scored from my wife with your help! <g>

Thanks, again, and may the karma gods load you up!