Car Misfiring

[Zero]

I just took my car to the shop the other to replace the EGR Valve and now the car is misfiring while in idle. Driving on the streets and highway the car runs beatifully. I am in limbo right and am angery that I have to pay 280 for the new one I am think I still going to pay more. Any help woould be great.

[rixGAphx]

'98 3.1, 9 years old, about 110k miles?
Originally posted by Zero
I just took my car to the shop the other day to replace the EGR Valve and now the car is misfiring while in idle.
Driving on the streets and highway the car runs beautifully.
I am in limbo right now and am angry that I have to pay 280 for the new one.
I am think I still going to pay more.
Any help would be great. The Check Engine Light isn't 'on', or you would have said so, right?

*Most* 'rough idle' problems without a CEL/SES light are caused by a vacuum leak; a stuck-open EGR valve isn't actually a 'vacuum leak' but it acts just like one.
Most vac leaks won't throw a code.

Your problem might be as simple as the new EGR valve sticking open, which causes TONS of problems at idle yet doesn't necessarily show a code/CEL.
Or while working on the EGR (for whatever reason they thought that was the initial problem), the mechanic may have accidentally dislodged some other vacuum tubing or device.
Did they give you the OLD EGR valve, or did you not ask for it?

In any case, I would call them immediately and let them know there's a problem, and ask them to slot you in ASAP for them to look over their work and correct the problem.
If they are a reputable shop, they will MAKE room to see you immediately, to keep you happy.
(Well, as happy as possible :( . In any case, don't tell them you're so pissed you're never coming back; save that for later, if necessary.)

IMO, chances are good that it's a simple loose vac fitting.
They *may* have unknowingly got a faulty EGR valve from their supplier.
However, as you fear it may be some other faulty part and you will be asked to pay more (to correct a defect that they hadn't discovered). Cross that bridge when/if you come to it, and post back here for advice before you sink more money into it.

The EGR valve for the GA V6 IS very expensive, dammit :banghead: , so they didn't rip you off unecessarily.

Good luck,
-Rick

[Zero]

Actually it has 61k miles on it I did go back to them. He is a good guy and my boss are good friend with him. He is a good mechanic and I have a slight discount with him not much but a discount never the less. I let him have the car extra just to find out the problem. He said he would not charge me the extra day unless he could solve the problem. And next time I will post before I go do anything. I did not ask for the old one and a light does show for random miss fire. I believe the code was P0440. Anyway thanks for responding.

[holt_champ]

same thing was happening to me and it was only a spark plug

[rixGAphx]

P0440 = Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction

These are some of the maze of tubes and devices that connect to the intake manifold ('vacuum') and to the activated charcoal canister (under the coolant reservoir).

They prolly just dislodged or broke a (possibly fragile) tube while doing the EGR valve.

P0300 = Multiple/Random Misfire Detected
P030x = Misfire in 'x' cylinder detected
'Misfire' can be:
* Ignition (sparkplug, wires, coils);
OR,
* Fuel Injection (fuel pressure, injectors), either too rich or too lean.

Let us know the outcome,
-Rick

[Zero]

Update:

Just got the car back. The gentleman knocked off about 50 dollars off the orgainal price. 280 to 230. For the inconviese. Drove it down I-93 for a while and it run great better then it was before but it is still running rough will Idleing in park. The man said that he smoked the entire engine to find any vacuum leaks but he did not find any at all.

Then later today I got back from the movies and saw that the check engine light came on. I can not find out till tomorrow what the code is. My job as a OBD II code reader. I will find out the code and post when I get a chance. Sorry to bother you all.

[Zero]

Update

The code readed P1404. The same code that was on the car once I brought the car to them. I think ( this is a guess) I might need to reflash the computer because there is no sign of leaks at all. And if reflashing is the case what would be the cost for the pcm to be reflashed. Any Help would be great.

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by Zero
Update

The code readed P1404. The same code that was on the car once I brought the car to them.
I think ( this is a guess) I might need to reflash the computer because there is no sign of leaks at all. And if reflashing is the case what would be the cost for the pcm to be reflashed. Any Help would be great. The code has ALWAYS been P1404???

That's different from the P0440 you previously stated.
P1404 = IAT - B Circuit Malfunction/ Exhaust Gas Recirculation Closed Position Performance

That relates to the part he just replaced.
I would take the car back to him (again) and say, "See??? Please fix."

Good luck,
-Rick

[Zero]

The P0440 was one of the codes and the P1404 was the other sorry that I did not mention that. any way I can't take it up now because be working two jobs. Hopefully will find time so though.

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by Zero
The P0440 was one of the codes and the P1404 was the other sorry that I did not mention that. any way I can't take it up now because be working two jobs. Hopefully will find time so though. Well, call the shop and tell them that:
1. You're not satisfied, because the problem (rough running) remains, and the indicated code relates directly to the part they replaced.
2. You will bring the car to them as soon as possible, within __ days.

If you don't do this, then:
1. They will NOT be responsible for warranty corrections of their work; and,
2. You risk additional damage (like a destroyed catalytic converter) that you'll havta pay for.

I know it's tough, working, going to school, life, etc.
Nonetheless, this car is PART of your life, and you are the only one who can maintain it properly.

Good luck,
-Rick

[Zero]

Rick I greatly thank for your advice I have time this friday to bring it up so hopefully goint to bring it up to them. I will update when it is done. But once again thanks to rick and everyone else that help.

[Zero]

Update

I left it with them and they still have not found out the problem is. They took out the new EGR valve and found no wrong with it. The same code is still the same. I try to get a new iat sensor and see what happens. I tried looking underhood for any issues. I even put back the stock filter box back to see what would happen but it was still running rough. I look up this site http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0e3839 Could this be an answer for my problem.

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by Zero
I look up this site http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0e3839
Could this be an answer for my problem. Makes more sense than anything else I've heard, including your shop's knowledgable but fruitless attempts to repair the condition.

Keep in mind that the guy on Edmund's, 'Artie' I think, is talking about his '01.
The '99+ models had a significantly different computer than your/my pre-'99's, but the overall computer 'architecture' is prolly quite similar.
So the trick might work, might not.

I don't see where it would hurt.
Give the printout to your mechanic, and have him follow it with his OBD-II scanner.

Report back here if it works.
If it fries your 'puter, leave me alone :eek:

Good luck,
-Rick

[Zero]

Update.

Ok the other day I want to a well know shop in my area and the guy( who happens to be my coworkers boyfriend.) Any way he himself took the new egr valve and sprayed it with crab cleaner and found nothing wrong again. No leaks either. He just said it the same thing again, the egr valve is not working probably and found that I have misfires in all the cyls. I am at my wits end and plus the trick that I read did not work. All I can do now is go to the dealership.

The best part of this day was he did this check for free.

Good Old GA's You got to love them and hate them. LOL

[HornetGT141]

Regarding the misfires, I see you are running Bosch plugs which may be part of the problem if it turns out to be the plugs. GA's are tempermental on plugs and it is better sometimes to use the AC Delco Platinums instead.

Just something I'd point out but probably isn't the problem on the misfires.

[Zero]

There has to be more then that because the car was running the same before I did the iginition. Could it be bad Coils. Or maybe the plate that holds the coils could be damage.

[Zero]

I am replacing the fuel filter these week to see if that will fit the problem. Hopefully it will