QuestionQUESTION: Hi, I have been having a number of problems with my 2000 Galant ES 2.4L Automatic - 110,000 miles.
My check engine light keeps coming on, same thing everytime - mass air flow sensor, it has been a year and I have chnged that sensor 3 times, most recently not even 3 weeks ago, and today the light turned on once again. I have no clue what to do.
Secondly - My oil light is on - I use a 10/30, had it changed about a month and approx 1,000 miles ago, checked levels and they are all ok, but the light is on only when rpm hits 1,000 or below. Any clue as to why?
My third concern is the RPM when in Idle, they fall below 1,000 way below to 500, the engine sputters and sometimes stalls. The mechanics I have been to seem to be ignorant of my other 2 problems, always focusing on the sensor, which I might add, after replacing it the other 2 problems got worse, stalls more, rpm dropped, etc.
I changed the spark plugs, ahve almost new wires, used fuel injector cleaner, and have a new air filter put in barely a month ago.
Please help , I have no clue who to ask, I have been to 3 different mechanics, and its all about the mass air flow, which doesn't help at all.
ANSWER: Agnes: Sometimes you have to put your foot down. To get people to listen. I can not believe you have replaced the sensor 3 times. Holy cow! Did anyone clear your computer? So that the computer knows the sensor has be replaced? Are you sure it was that sensor, it could be the barometric pressure sensor too, they are in the same spot well close. Have you had your car coded? Then did they give you the paperwork so you might read through it? I think you have been taken for a costly ride here. The oil light, could be many things... short in the wiring circuit, faulty oil pressure unit and of course worn engine bearings or the oil pump. But your car is not that old and 110,000 miles is not a lot of miles but you could have all those checked. If the car is not using oil, the engine does not make a ticking sound or a knocking sound. Then I don't think it is the oil pump or the bearings. But just my idea here. But if the engine was making those sounds, the people you are taking the car to would be seeing dollar signs and they would talking to you about that. So it is most likely a short in the wiring circuit or a faulty oil pressure unit. I would have those people look at your throttle position sensor, could be the sensor is just loose and therefore the computer can not get a good reading on it. So your car's RPM's are falling off. A broken or loose TPS(throttle position sensor) can cause intermittent bursts of fuel from the injector and an unstable idle because the computer thinks thinks the throttle is moving. Got an AutoZone close by? They will code your car for free and give YOU the read out. I still think it is other sensors causing your problem. If it is that same sensor every time, then have your computer checked. Either the mechanics are not replacing that sensor with a new one and resetting your computer. Or else they are not doing what they say they are but charging you for it. You need to start asking for all the old parts back, you have a right to them and that will keep your shop honest. It might be a good idea for you to buy a repair manual for your car, most parts stores will sell them for around $20.00. Then you could read up on your car but also see what these parts are to look like. So the mechanics couldn't be giving you the wrong parts. You got to stand up for your rights, put your foot down and say look; I am paying for this and I want my car fixed right. The first time around, not this replacing things and then the car does not work right at all. At times it is hard, but you got to do this. Hope this helps, keep me posted and good luck! Linda :o)
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QUESTION: Hi,
Went to AutoZone - Code is P0100, so this means it is an electrical problem, or the sensor is busted.
I bought the sensor at AutoZone, not the mechanic, and brought the old one back to AutoZone, so I know what the mechanic is putting in, now the question is are they putting it in correctly.
As for the oil, thank you for your help, it was the pressure switch, and it helped a lot with performance, not only is the light not on, my rpm is still low, but not 500, and the engine isn't sputtering as much, and has not stalled since. I cannot tell you how happy that makes me feel.
I did find out my drive and timing belts need to be replaced, as well as a crankshaft sensor.
I bought a manual, and I must say, I do not feel any smarter (in regards to the inner workings of cars), maybe one day.
The SENSOR is still bugging me, and I thought I would ask you before doing anything further.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
-Agnes
AnswerAgnes: Once they put in the new sensor did they reprogram the computer? Because other wise the computer still thinks that sensor is out or weak. So you need to get those guys to reprogram your computer and I think that should fix the problem. So try that. Oh listen I have been working on cars for a lot of years. I am right now 55 years old and right proud of my years of learning. I think sometimes people get to stuck on things. It takes three things to make a car run stark(stark plugs), fuel and air. I miss the cars from the 60's and 70's. Not so much in the way of sensors and computers. But now days it takes a whole lot of sensors and the computer to read them all right to make that car zip down the road. But not to worry about understanding your car, I just thought you would know if someone tried to pull your leg on some thing. They try very hard to make women dumb when it comes to cars. I have had them try with me and I so it does not work. So I just was thinking it would be a way not to be taken. I wish people were more honest than they are. But then it becomes our job to keep them that way. So do have a good Easter now. Again if there is anything else I might help you with, feel free to write me. I enjoy answering people questions. Here let me give you my email address and you can write me there if you like. (oppedal50@yahoo.com) Hope this helps and good luck! Linda :o)
