Purchased new, 2002 GLS 2.7 ATw/ AWD and 123,000 miles. Recently had 2nd timing belt & service at dealer before going off the extended 120,000 (HP issue extension) engine / drive train warranty. Has been running fine with 20 mpg city commute and 30 mpg highway. No problems and EZ starting & smooth running but at service, dealer suggested change out spark plugs which I declined (maybe stupidly).
3 Miles after fuel filling at cheap ARCO, car began running rough and 2 miles later, CEL light came on. OK at highway speeds but wants to stall at stop lights or low speeds. Must manually shift keeping it in lower gear to avoid stumbling. CEL is NOT flashing, just on solid but eventually goes out on it's own with no attempted fix. It does not last. Stop and start driving seems to trigger CEL light again.
OBD II sensor check at local auto parts store shows NO STORED CODES. Parts guys says he cannot clear code since none is showing. I suggested possible overfull gas tank (soaked charcoal filter) or water contamination. He thinks plugs and or plug wires but without a code, it's just a guess.
I disconnect battery completely (both terminals), turn on dome light and leave car for 12 hours in case there's some capacitor somewhere. Reconnect battery and POW !!! Runs smooth, idles fine and I go for test drive. Within 6 miles, begins running rough at low RPM and in another two miles....CEL light reappears. Really begins running rough especially at low revs. Stalls as I pull into driveway.
Now since the OBD II sensor is not throwing a code (which I thought could not happen if the CEL light was ON), it's now a guessing game.
I'd change the plugs first, but I think I'll limp to the dealer since I've read those stories of the difficulty of access.
Anyone else besides me think it may be due to overfilled fuel tank? (It was attendant not me), or possibly water in the fuel?
I'm open to suggestions here. (Ok, and a little criticism for putting 120,000 miles on original plugs). I promise I won't due THAT again...well, until 240,000 miles anyway.
Water in fuel? Overfilled fuel causing evaporative charcoal to get soaked? (would that self heal over time?) Plugs? Blocked catalytic converter?
WHY NO CODE? Any harm in trying to drive the 24 miles to the dealer, coughing and missing? Could this harm the catalytic converter to drive it while it's running so rough?
Calling SBR...SBR 711. Clark Howard guy could use a little advice here.
3 Miles after fuel filling at cheap ARCO, car began running rough and 2 miles later, CEL light came on. OK at highway speeds but wants to stall at stop lights or low speeds. Must manually shift keeping it in lower gear to avoid stumbling. CEL is NOT flashing, just on solid but eventually goes out on it's own with no attempted fix. It does not last. Stop and start driving seems to trigger CEL light again.
OBD II sensor check at local auto parts store shows NO STORED CODES. Parts guys says he cannot clear code since none is showing. I suggested possible overfull gas tank (soaked charcoal filter) or water contamination. He thinks plugs and or plug wires but without a code, it's just a guess.
I disconnect battery completely (both terminals), turn on dome light and leave car for 12 hours in case there's some capacitor somewhere. Reconnect battery and POW !!! Runs smooth, idles fine and I go for test drive. Within 6 miles, begins running rough at low RPM and in another two miles....CEL light reappears. Really begins running rough especially at low revs. Stalls as I pull into driveway.
Now since the OBD II sensor is not throwing a code (which I thought could not happen if the CEL light was ON), it's now a guessing game.
I'd change the plugs first, but I think I'll limp to the dealer since I've read those stories of the difficulty of access.
Anyone else besides me think it may be due to overfilled fuel tank? (It was attendant not me), or possibly water in the fuel?
I'm open to suggestions here. (Ok, and a little criticism for putting 120,000 miles on original plugs). I promise I won't due THAT again...well, until 240,000 miles anyway.
Water in fuel? Overfilled fuel causing evaporative charcoal to get soaked? (would that self heal over time?) Plugs? Blocked catalytic converter?
WHY NO CODE? Any harm in trying to drive the 24 miles to the dealer, coughing and missing? Could this harm the catalytic converter to drive it while it's running so rough?
Calling SBR...SBR 711. Clark Howard guy could use a little advice here.
