6 Of 8 Misfiring!!!

[///Matt]

Just started up my 97 540ia...weather is mid 30's flurries and rain....the check engine light starts to flash. I checked the codes with my reader and it gives me the following...

P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected ghead
P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected ghead
P0302 Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected ghead
P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected ghead
P0305 Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected ghead
P0306 Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected ghead
P0307 Cylinder 7 Misfire Detected ghead

Codes P1174 & P1175 also were detected but apparently this is the default for any kind of error.

Question: What do i do now?


BTW - I would reccomend to anyone the "Actron" code reader availiable at autozone for only $80!...It comes with a book and cd of codes

[Dirty_Tool]

Have you checked for vacuum leaks yet?
what about the cats have you checked for plugged cats?

[billB]

How can the cats be tested when plugged?

DT: I was told the old way used to drill a small hole before the cats and hoped to get 2-3 pounds for normal readings. Is this still true? Is there a more civilized way to check? thanks

[njtech]

the converters can be checked using a backpressure guage. it mounts in place of the pre-cat o2 sensor, you bring the rpms up to 2500, anything more than 1.5 psi indicates a plugged converter.

as far as the multiple misfire codes I would check,
1) the spark plug connectors, make sure they aren't sitting in an oil bath.

2) the pcv plate in the back of the intake.

3) the manifold gaskets for vacuum leaks.
HTH.
Steve

[rsn48]

Take it to your closest dealer for a service check.

[///Matt]

Originally posted by rsn48@Dec 1 2004, 10:32 AM
Take it to your closest dealer for a service check.

[snapback]241244[/snapback]

I figured that....however I just had "Inspection II" about a month and a half ago...What's another $700 anyway?

[rsn48]

Shouldn't be $700 for "timing" issue, though I know it is now electronic timing. In fact, they will have their results in your filel, I'd ask to see it, then go from there.

[Dirty_Tool]

bckpressure is a good test for the cats but also most of the BMW cats will break apart inside and you can hear them rattle when tapping on them with a rubber mallet. this is a faster easier but of course less accurate test. but suprisingly I catch most of the by just doing a simple "hammer test"...LOL

DT