Need help diagnosing ignition problem/error code

[SpeedDemon]

Hi all,

A couple days ago while sitting at a signal my car threw up a check engine light (along with the TCS light coming on).

Since then, an error code gets tripped maybe once every 30+ mins (average) of normal driving. Usually happens when cruising or at a stop. It appears to be some sort of problem with ignition/ignition control based on the error codes. Here are the codes:

First time, had a full batch of codes:

P1204 cylinder 4 misfire
P1305 Unknown (check MFG code)
P1205 cylinder 5 misfire
P1306 Unknown (check MFG code)
P1206 cylinder 4 misfire
P1300 random misfire detected

Pending DTC: P1399 Unknown (check MFG code)

I cleared the codes, didn't have an issue for a 40 minute trip and then a 20 minute trip, and then just got this one:

P1316 sparkplug detection module circuit fault (bank2).

I'll mention again that the car seems to run perfectly, there is no audible indicator, hesistation, loss of power, or any other indicator there's a problem other than the Check Engine/TCS lights getting tripped.

Thoughts? Only thing I can think of offhand is that a few of my ignition wires were tapped into (over a year ago) when an adjustable timing controller was installed. I've long since removed the controller, but perhaps there's a loose connection with some of the wiring where it had originally been tapped into? If that's not the case, I'm wondering what else it could be..

Thanks much,
Marc

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by SpeedDemon:
P1204 cylinder 4 misfire
P1305 Unknown (check MFG code)
P1205 cylinder 5 misfire
P1306 Unknown (check MFG code)
P1206 cylinder 4 misfire
P1300 random misfire detected

What codes are those? I thought all the codes you get with a check engine light are two-digit codes...

[Lud]

1300 = Random misfire
1204 = Cylinder 4 misfire
1205 = Cylinder 5 misfire
1305 = Cylinder 5 misfire
1206 = Cylinder 6 misfire
1306 = Cylinder 6 misfire
1316 = Spark plug voltage detection circuit malfunction, front bank


Certainly sounds like an ignition or electrical problem... If you tapped the ignition wires I'd say that's a fair place to start looking..?

[Lud]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
What codes are those? I thought all the codes you get with a check engine light are two-digit codes...

For OBDI you are right. He is using an OBDII scanner which has many more codes.

[This message has been edited by Lud (edited 16 January 2003).]

[SpeedDemon]

Figured I'd give an update on this one..

It turns out the P1316 error code was the ticket.. The dealer confirmed today that the "sparkplug detection module" has gone bad (an internal short of some kind) & needs to be replaced.

$360 for the part (this isn't a dealer known for low prices on parts, so I'm sure it can be found cheaper elsewhere). $0 for me thanks to the extended warranty. This is my second time using my extended warranty, so far "WarrantyByNet" has worked out well with no hassles.

Best,
Marc