Frustrated

[Sunny315]

Ok I’m just putting this out to vent about my whole car situation. Some of you already know I just got my 99 cougar last Wed. and everything was running ok on it until last weekend. My CEL light came on and my car seemed like it was hesitating to accelerate so I came on here to check out what you guys had on as some trouble shooting so that I wouldn’t get screwed at the mechanics.

Well anyway, I took it up to Midas here in St. Louis and they tell me that I need to get a serious tune up because my 2nd cylinder is back firing and I can blow the head gasket if I don’t get it soon. So I call the dealer where I bought it and they sent me to their mechanic.

That was Monday. On Monday they replace the wires give me new spark plugs and rotor caps (I think that’s what they called it). And all is well.

Until Tuesday

On my way to work on Tuesday the CEL comes on again. So I call the dealer again and they tell me to go back to their mechanic, so I do. The mechanic runs their diagnostic and finds that the (I think I have these right correct me if I’m wrong.) EGR valve and BPFE vacuum regulator needs to be replaced. So I’m like ok fix it.

Wednesday.

I’m driving to work again and that DAMN CEL comes on again. Now I’m really frustrated. They run another diag. and tell me that it’s some carbon that they didn’t clean out when they replaced the EGR valve.

So now I’m waiting for the call to go pick up my car.

To all those that read this thanks for reading I had to get that off.

[bensenvill]

lol, sorry to hear that man... next time write down the CEL codes and post them here. CELs arent uncommon in our car even when they are running perfectly [although if you just bought the car, I would permanently hassle them about this]

[Sunny315]

Ill try to get that today, but is it common for everytime they run a diag. its something new wrong with the car? lol I mean I looove my car and I wanted one for a long time, and cant wait till im able to put some mods on it.

[sonza68]

Codes can kind of mask each other. Sometimes a single problem can trigger seemingly unrelated codes pop up. The misfire was obvious, so they fixed it first. The car needs to be driven again before the second set of codes came up. The EGR, DPFE sensor and carbon buildup would all trigger then same set of codes, so it is really only one problem. Sounds like they just replaced the EGR and DPFE, but didn't look for carbon, so the second two repairs were both fixing the same problem.

[Sunny315]

Originally Posted by sonza68

Codes can kind of mask each other. Sometimes a single problem can trigger seemingly unrelated codes pop up. The misfire was obvious, so they fixed it first. The car needs to be driven again before the second set of codes came up. The EGR, DPFE sensor and carbon buildup would all trigger then same set of codes, so it is really only one problem. Sounds like they just replaced the EGR and DPFE, but didn't look for carbon, so the second two repairs were both fixing the same problem.

Question, should this be the end of the CEL? At least for the time being? and if you dont mind explaining (since the mechanic really didnt) what is the EGR and DPFE? Or can I find that somewhere on here?


Well I just got my call and im going to pick it up tonight. Ill let yall know if my light comes on again! lol Hopefully it doesnt, and the next time its in the shop its getting some type of exterior cosmetic added to it!!

[sonza68]

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system takes exhaust gas and routes it into the intake manifold. It is an emissions system that I don't really understand myself. What is referred to as the EGR is the valve that controls the amount of exhaust the system recirculates. The DPFE sensor is basically the controller for the EGR.

[slurpee]

Originally Posted by sonza68

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system takes exhaust gas and routes it into the intake manifold. It is an emissions system that I don't really understand myself. What is referred to as the EGR is the valve that controls the amount of exhaust the system recirculates. The DPFE sensor is basically the controller for the EGR.

yeah, what he said..tom's a genius when it comes to the cars.

[Sunny315]

Originally Posted by slurpee

yeah, what he said..tom's a genius when it comes to the cars.

sonza68 sounds like I need to take you with me the next time I go to the repair shop!

[sonza68]

Originally Posted by slurpee

yeah, what he said..tom's a genius when it comes to the cars.

Not exactly, but I try my best.

[slurpee]

Originally Posted by sonza68

Not exactly, but I try my best.

you've helped me out a ton!