[KLBJABSR]

Had not used for a couple of weeks. Weather was cold. FIred it up and it ran a little rough. Stalled while sitting idling. Then service engine soon light came on. Ran it down to shop, but on the way the light went out and it seemed to start running fine. Next time out a little hesitation on hills but after a few miles ran fine. Next time out ran fine, seems to be running normal...but light just came back on. What causes this. 120,000 miles on it. Did plugs, wires, dist cap at 100,000. Do oil, filter, grease every 3000. Did alternator at about 75000. Maybe 4 batteries in it's life.Tranny every 2 years regardless. What is it asking for?

 

[Jasen]

What code is it giving

 

[KLBJABSR]

I do not know. The light went out before I got it to town and I would not know how to get the code myself.

 

[Jasen]

The code is stored for a while, even after the light goes out.
Most of the auto parts chains will let you use their code reader, and if you bat your eye's and show a little leg, they will probably do it for you
This will tell you exactly why the light came on and then you'll be able to go from there.

 

[moneymaker]

What year is your van? Which engine?

 

[KLBJABSR]

Sorry, 2000 Astro AWD, 3.4 120,000 miles.

 

[moneymaker]

Ok, that's obd2. That means your local parts store(advance,autozone, etc) will scan for you. They say they can't for obd1.

 

[ihatemybike]

They say they can't for obd1.

That's OK, we know the paper clip trick.

 

[KLBJABSR]

Took the van to the local NAPA they tested it. Code came up P0300, said it was random misfire and generic code. Drove home and light went out, later the same evening pulled it into the garage and it running like a kitten.

 

[ihatemybike]

Green had that code, Seafoam treatment cleared it right up.

 

[DonD]

Same code here, Seafoam helped but it took a new distributor to clear the code... now I've got a P1345!
Runs great though. New engine thermostat today, now it runs in closed loop for a change.

 

[KLBJABSR]

Decided to look at distributor cap and rotor even though I did that number less then 20,000 miles ago. Looked quite corroded. So decided to put the new one on. Noticed when tightening down back screw that it felt stripped....no it was busted. The section on the distributor that the cap threads into was cracked and half the hole just fell off. Is this piece replaceable? Or because of this crap design of plastic on a $200 part mean I have to replace the entire distributor?