QuestionQUESTION: "We were driving along fine, no trouble, when our 3.0L Voyager quit running at a stop light. When we tried to restart it, I noticed the oil light was on. The engine cranked fine, but it didn't even seem like it was trying to start. (no coughs or anything)
When I got home, I noticed a good bit of oil coming from the rear of the engine, but I couldn't really tell where it was from. Maybe the manifold cover.
I tried the code trick, and I got a 42. I checked it somewhere online, and that indicated the autoshutdown relay. I replaced it, with no luck.
The Haynes manual says a oil pressure sending unit may be leaking, but it says nothing about where to find the sender. I see some stuff that looks as though it could be the sender, but they don't look leaky.
All help is greatly appreciated!!"
ANSWER: Hi Dave,
Did you check the dip stick to see if there is sufficient oil in the engine, and if not how much did you have to add to get it back to the mininmum level? What size engine do you have?
The oil pressure sender is next to the oil filter in most of the possible engines. Look closely to see if you can find the source of a leak if you are indeed loosing oil rapidly.
On the 42 code, try to listen for the fuel pump, located inside the fuel tank, to see if it runs for about a second or not when you first turn the key to the run position, which it should if the ASD circuit is OK. Let me know that result.
I would suspect a failed spark sensor which would be a code 11 or a code 54, so crank it a bit more and watch for other codes, but don't run down the battery (unless you have a charger).
I'll await futher feedback.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Sorry, I should have mentioned the oil level. It was halfway between 'Add' and 'Full', but I put half a quart in anyway.
I have tried cranking the engine several times, and then checking the codes. Each time, I get 12, 42, 55. I just tried it 5 minutes ago, and got the same thing. The 12 is because I have to charge the battery between tries.
I have the 3.0 liter V6. I looked all over for the sending unit next to the filter, and I see nothing that looks like a suspect. I assume the sending unit will appear to be a device stuck in the side of the block with wires attached?
I hear the fuel pump when we turn the key. My manual suggests dropping the tank and checking the fuel level sending unit. Any suggestions on that?
Thanks so much for your fast reply.
AnswerHi Dave,
I would check fuse 17 (20 amp) in the power distribution center under the hood (it is probably labelled "engine". It supplies the voltage to the ASD actuation coil and to the power output circuit of the ASD. If it is blown you won't get spark or injectors, and that would also cause the 42 code. The fuel pump will be OK, so ignore that aspect (it has a separate fuse).
I will look more for the oil sender unit in the meantime. The oil pressure light is going to be 'on' unless the engine is running so that may be a false alarm. Look at fuse 17 not only for a blow out but also for a subtle crack. If you have an ohmmeter make sure it is good. Other than the fuse we will have to do some wire checking and consider other componenets for the 42 code. I don't think there is anything wrong in the fuel tank.
Roland
PS The manual shows that the tap into which the oil pressure warning switch is screwed is at the base of the oil filter attachment, and is pointing toward the rear of the engine.
