Alright folks, any help/suggestions welcome. The code I'm getting on my GSR is only mysterious because it doesn't FEEL like I should be having a P0302 (#2 cylinder misfire), but that doesn't always mean anything. The car runs fine.

I got a new ECU from the Acura dealership because it was free (something to do with an extended warranty for emissions equipment), and because they couldn't initially figure out why this code was being thrown...so naturally they assumed "bad ECU." After installing the new unit (they had to install it...), there was no CEL for about a day, then it came back on. Then after a few days it went back off. Another couple days and it comes back on. Same code.

I called the dealership and told them the CEL was back on, and they said I would have to leave my car with them for a little while to get it figured out...rrrrright.

Naturally I'm in the period of the CEL being on when I need to get my yearly emissions done, so I'm kind of short on time with this problem. I was thinking it could be the dizzy...but rather than guess I wanted to see if anyone here has some insight.

I'm going to bed now (11PM-7AM shift at work), but hopefully this things will be chock full of useful info when I wake up. Thanks!


Modified by Milano_EH3 at 1:24 PM 7/27/2005

 

try replacing the plugs, wires, cap and rotor.

 

Poor troubleshooting on the dealers part. A distributor malfunction could be the possible cause of your problem. Try checking the following first:

Fuel injector in cylinder #2 could be clogged, leaking fuel, or leaking air. (Listen for a clicking sound from that injector)
Fuel injector circuit open or shorted

Check that the spark plug in cylinder #2 isn't fouled. Check for carbon deposits
Maybe try switching the problem cylinder spark plug for one in a different cylinder. If the ECU spits out a different code (71,73,74), then you know the spark plug is the culprit.


Leaking ignition wires
Out of spec valve clearance (When was the last time the valve lash was adjusted by the way?)
Low compression

Tell the dealer you want your old ecu and sell it to me.


Modified by mastamind at 2:21 PM 7/27/2005

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mastamind &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Poor troubleshooting on the dealers part. A distributor malfunction could be the possible cause of your problem. Try checking the following first:
</TD></TR></TABLE>

In fairness to the dealership, I didn't go in there for a full diagnostic check. I happened to be in the area one day and decided to stop in and have them throw the car on their reader. Simply because the car was running great, they just decided to order up a new ECU, since it was going to be free. After the new ECU didn't work, my first thought was the distributor. But, we'll see.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mastamind &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Fuel injector in cylinder #2 could be clogged, leaking fuel, or leaking air. (Listen for a clicking sound from that injector)
Fuel injector circuit open or shorted
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'll check on this in the morning...before it gets too hot.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mastamind &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Check that the spark plug in cylinder #2 isn't fouled. Check for carbon deposits
Maybe try switching the problem cylinder spark plug for one in a different cylinder. If the ECU spits out a different code (71,73,74), then you know the spark plug is the culprit.

Leaking ignition wires
Out of spec valve clearance (When was the last time the valve lash was adjusted by the way?)
Low compression
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Spark plug is clean. Compression is good. New plugs, new plug wires, valve lash adjusted...all back in June. I'm still leaning towards the distributor.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mastamind &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Tell the dealer you want your old ecu and sell it to me.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

LOL...I asked them that already. They said it had to be shipped back.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LSvtec03 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">try replacing the plugs, wires, cap and rotor.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Got the plugs and wires. Next step is cap/rotor. Then go from there.