Help with Codes

[mccoady]

First let me say I'm not mechanically inclined like most of you here so take that into consideration when I ask what might sound like dumb questions.

I have a check engine light that goes on and off randomly so before I took it to a mechanic I wanted to know how much it might cost. I bought a Autel MaxiScan MS409 OBD II/EOBD SCANNER- http://www.auteltech.com/ms409.htm & manual- http://www.auteltech.com/manual.htm

After running the scanner I get two codes:
P0300 ($10 Generic) Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0303 ($10 Generic) Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

Now the Autel MS409 has a DTC Lookup so when using it I get P0001 > Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open

So my questions:
1. First what do the codes mean and what are my issues?

2. I've never used a code scanner before so why after I use the DTC Lookup do I get a different code (P0001) from the first two (P0300,P0303)? If someone was trying to help me and asked for the codes which would I give them?

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

usually when you do DTC lookup in a scan tool you have to manual select which codes... those codes are due to your engine not running smoothly.

how is the state of tune? (plugs, wires, fuel filter)

 

[mccoady]

Ah I see in the DTC lookup I have to manually change the digits to match the original scan codes although I get the same info that the scan displayed.

My Ranger has close to 106,000 miles on it but back in March 2009 it had between 95,000-100,000 and I had basically a 100,000 mile tuneup... this included wireset, transfilter, sparkplugs, and fuel filter.

Since the codes suggest the engine isn't running smoothly it's not something that I readily notice. The Check Engine Light might come on for a day or two but then goes out and I don't see it for a couple of days really comes and goes although irritating.

Any recommendations?

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

intermittent misfires are commonly caused by improperly routed spark plug wires that have rubbed through or just ground out somewhere. occasionally a cracked spark plug will cause it also.

the fact that it has a random misfire code might suggest a fuel system problem and if that is the case the MAF sensor is a very common failure resulting in a lean condition that isn't really noticeable until you are trying to accelerate at full throttle.

you have not noticed any running issues at all?

 

[mccoady]

I suppose I need to take it to a mechanic if it's the MAF sensor are these expensive to have replaced?

Whatever is causing the error code is this something that should be looked at as soon as possible will it get worse?

The only time I notice any running issues is occasionally it idles alot slower but other than that no.