Spuddering 3.0

[Viva*the*Ranger]

About a week ago I was pulling out of a parking lot and my engine died out of the blue. (I have an automatic). I restarted it and it was fine, no engine light came on. So today I was on the freeway and my engine started spuddering, my whole truck was shaking. The check engine light started flashing so I pulled over right away. The only thing I noticed was my oil level was low about 3/4 of a quart. Stupid me. I replenished the oil and the spuddering stopped for the most part. The engine light went away but came back on about five miles later and wants to stay on. The funny part is now it idles better then it did. No power loss either. I really don't think 3/4 quart low is enough to cause this big of a problem, I have seen cars that were two or more quarts low and didn't act like this. If anyone has any ideas on whats happening here I would love the input. Thanks folks.

 

[thegoat4]

Yeah, probably not actually related to the low oil.

When was the last time you replaced your fuel filter? If it becomes badly restricted it can cause what you describe. Plus, it's an easy place to start troubleshooting.

Swing by autozone and find out what that code is causing your CEL. Write it down and post it here. If you have multiple codes, post them all, along with any descriptions autozone gives you.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I replaced the fule filter and pump about 30,000 miles ago. But with the shi*y gas they give us these days, I wouldn't be surprised if it's time for a new one again. The check engine light didn't come on last time though. It just didn't want to start the firs try and idled rough. I'll try that and see what happens.

As soon as I got home I cracked open some beers, so I won't make it to autozone tonight.I didn't know they are able to check codes. That's awesome! do they charge you for it?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i replace my filter every 20-25K miles.

even if the check engine light isnt on now, there are codes stored from when it was on. you need to have those codes pulled.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I figured a code check would be first in line. Thanks guys. ya'll are the sh*t.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Pulled my codes and this is what showed up; P0303 cylinder #3 missfire detected. So I picked up new plugs and wires in hopes that it's something as simple as that. The engine light hasn't came back on yet, It's not spuddering as of now. so I'm happy. Do you think it's possible that the computer overrode the issue and went in to limp mode?

 

[betomonroy]

If it "spudds" again check the coil pack. Disconect the #3 spark plug wire. Start the engine and carefully close the distance between the boot and the coil pack. if you don't get a strong spark jumping between the coilpack and the boot You have a bad coil pack. If You require a new coil pack buy an ACCEL. The difference in price is minimum (if you buy it at the right spot). When buying the coil make sure its the right one by checking the type of connector it takes. One is vertical and the other is horizontal.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Awesome, thanks man. I'll give it a shot. I just got done changing the plugs and cylinder #3's plug clearly had less wear on it compaired to the rest of them. I can't belive it's been going on that long. No wonder my mpg isn't what it should be. You live and you learn I guess.