Symptoms:
These are my current engine misfire codes; 03=cyl 3, 02=cyl 2, and 00= Random/Multiple cyl misfire.
My symptoms include a notable miss and decreased performance.
Brief History:
The car has been running poorly. I obtained an OBD II reader last week and checked the codes. On first scan I pulled codes: P0302, P0300, P0303, P0172. I checked for as many vacuum leaks as I could and replaced several connections and hoses, etc, in response to the 172 code. I found that the vacuum pump was disconnected from the throttle(?) and connected it back, this produced a FMP condition and the engine revved like crazy so I disconnected it and capped the the vacuum fitting. I then cleared the codes.
(I should also note at this point that I have performed the SAS delete procedure about a month ago and have disconnected the electrical connection from the pump, but everything else is still intact. I do not get a code for the airpump.)
My second code reading showed 0305, 0303, 0302, and 0300. I then swapped my #1 coil for #2; #4 for #3; and #6 for #5. I also checked to be sure that all of the coils were connected to the harness, a few of the female harness connectors were really loose so I gingerly clamped them down tight and made sure they were as connected as they could be to the coils. Car was still running rough and I went through again and replaced more vacuum lines and connections and the idle smoothed out some as well. I cleared the codes ran the car and got the same fault codes prior to the coil swap.
Then I swapped the control modules front to rear. I cleaned off the contacts as well as I could and reconnected everything and cleared the codes yet again. I then drove the car for about 5 miles. I came back and checked the codes again and this time I got the codes in the subject line of the post: P0303 P0302, AND P0300. I was also able to observe the vacuum reading via the obd II while testing the car and got various readings from 14-27 bar(?) I cant remember the units of measure.
So, my question(s) is(are): Does the P0300 code mean that I have other cyl's missing besides 2 and 3? I have a spark tester that I purchased at AutoZone, but it doesn't really seem to connect well to the coilpack, and when I tried to check for spark in #2 I did not get spark, but I am unsure if its because there was no spark, or the tester was unsuitable for the job. I tested it prior to the swap with #1 and since the same cyl showed misfire after the swap, I assumed that it is not a problem with the coil. My other question is, how would swapping the control modules result in kicking out the P0305 code? Or could it have been a poor connection at the coil-harness or a dirty contact on one of the modules? Also, what is good vacuum and should I be able to tell if I have a vacuum leak using the obd tester and the vacuum readout?
After reading and reading these forums I suspect that the modules need to be replaced, since it is showing misfire in both odd and even, but before I make the big buy I wanted to see If anyone could give me some advice. p.s. I installed new plugs about two months ago. This is my sons car and I seldom drive it, and he doesn't really give me updates on problems, so things seem to pile up
Travis