This problem has been going on for quite some time. It started a long time ago (the date given is at best a guess) and continues to this day! I have replaced all 4 spark plugs and all four ignition coils. The engine runs just fine and then for no apparent reason starts to stutter. If the check engine light was out, it will come back on. If the AC is running the compressor will cut out and the cold will go away. Then as mysteriously as it started, it will flash back to normal! Engine running smoothly, AC cold as ever. The misfire can go on for miles and miles, or it may come and go in a matter of seconds, but it has been frustrating as hell, and the thought of what it might cost as the vehicle is out of warranty is frightening. I also worry about possible damage to other components, particularly the emissions system due to the misfire. I am scheduled for a trip to Delaware from NY next week. Help!
Update from Jul 8, 2016: I took the vehicle to the shop, and he found a TSB and a fix. Apparently a wire harness from the ECU (the "brain") needed to be replaced. It cost about $112, 12 dollars for the part the rest labor. I was pleased as punch as I had a 4 hour trip coming up, my vacation in Delaware. The car ran perfect from Wednesday till Saturday, when the problem came back! This was the 4th of July weekend, with the 4th on Monday and I was planning to leave Tuesday morning at 7 am! Not good! I dropped the van at the mechanics and held my departure Tuesday morning waiting to hear-I was going to rent a car for the trip if necessary. I went to see him at around 9:30 since he hadn't called. He had checked the connection at the harness and told me he found gunk which he said was there when he changed the part and he had cleaned it then, but now it was back. However, he cleaned it out again, test drove the vehicle and found no problem. I test drove the van and decided to take it on the trip. So far, so good. I am keeping my fingers and eyes crossed!
This problem has been going on for quite some time. It started a long time ago (the date given is at best a guess) and continues to this day! I have replaced all 4 spark plugs and all four ignition coils. The engine runs just fine and then for no apparent reason starts to stutter. If the check engine light was out, it will come back on. If the AC is running the compressor will cut out and the cold will go away. Then as mysteriously as it started, it will flash back to normal! Engine running smoothly, AC cold as ever. The misfire can go on for miles and miles, or it may come and go in a matter of seconds, but it has been frustrating as hell, and the thought of what it might cost as the vehicle is out of warranty is frightening. I also worry about possible damage to other components, particularly the emissions system due to the misfire. I am scheduled for a trip to Delaware from NY next week. Help!
Update from Jul 8, 2016: I took the vehicle to the shop, and he found a TSB and a fix. Apparently a wire harness from the ECU (the "brain") needed to be replaced. It cost about $112, 12 dollars for the part the rest labor. I was pleased as punch as I had a 4 hour trip coming up, my vacation in Delaware. The car ran perfect from Wednesday till Saturday, when the problem came back! This was the 4th of July weekend, with the 4th on Monday and I was planning to leave Tuesday morning at 7 am! Not good! I dropped the van at the mechanics and held my departure Tuesday morning waiting to hear-I was going to rent a car for the trip if necessary. I went to see him at around 9:30 since he hadn't called. He had checked the connection at the harness and told me he found gunk which he said was there when he changed the part and he had cleaned it then, but now it was back. However, he cleaned it out again, test drove the vehicle and found no problem. I test drove the van and decided to take it on the trip. So far, so good. I am keeping my fingers and eyes crossed!
- azzir325, Pine Bush, NY, US