13bArtillery107

My actron odb2 showed the following codes and i googled them for what they were:

p0136 o2 sensor
p0141 o2 sensor
p0455 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (no purge flow or large leak)
p0302 Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
p0302 Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
p0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
p0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
p0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
p0305 Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected
p0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

This happened all the sudden. I was taking my buddy to get his drivers license in my 00 e430 and all the sudden my car felt like it was losing power. I continued to drive and it got worse. I went to pass a semi and almost didn't pass it, and in the process my CEL begun to flash. I got to the dmv he went and while he was in there i left her parked. I went and started it again and it seemed fine. Half way home lo and behold it begun to do it again, all the same symptoms. My CEL was already on due to my o2 sensors, but i freaked when it started flashing. Not even sure where to begin. Someone said something about my MAF. HELP HELP HELP!

ohlord

eliminating the possible gross leak in the evap system
possible you fueled up and got the cap on crooked.
Other than that ignored o2 sensors may have toasted a cat and caused blockage in the exhaust thus strangling the engine
Start with the fuel cap first

13bArtillery107

The closest cat to the rear in my exhaust has been nonexistant for quite some time. By the way, I forgot to mention that it was raining and quite wet for the last few days, this started today, we've had no sunshine for probably 4 to 5 days now. Water in the plugs maybe? And i have no idea where to even start with the whole vacuum thing, i get the flashing gas light every other day, it's been like that ever since i got the car. Would that cause the misfiring?

RichardM98

Your car is run by a computer. Every time you turn off the engine and then restart it, the computer looks for errors and after a short time finds them again unless you correct the problem.

The mis-fire errors are likely collateral damage not the result of fouled (wet) plugs. As mentioned start with the fuel system.

RS_D

Defintely check for water in the plugs. I recently experienced the same issue and found water in a couple cyclinders which caused the misfire as well as struggle in power, obviously. Just removed the coils and with an air hose, blew out the water in each cylinder. I haven't had a problem since..

As far as the evap leak, check the Charcoal canister located behind the rear passenger side wheel well. I had a leak, which caused the error code as well as the "gas light flashing" you're experiencing. Replacing it, eliminated both the code and the flash for me. Like others have mention, start with the cap. Any smog shop can test the cap for you.

Let us know how it works out!

13bArtillery107

I'll look into it later tomorrow. There's nothing in my oil and no weird smell from the exhaust, i'm assuming if i figure out what the problem is and solve it, i should get my power back. I saw a few other people with similar problems to me, and they were able to fix the misfires by solving the outlying issue. rs d, could you tell me more about your previous problem?

13bArtillery107

I cleared my codes, tested it around a bit and it was running great at first but once again got the cel and this time only misfires. I think the vaccuum thing was just my gascap, i messed with that a bit. Anyone have an idea where i should start? I cleaned out my maf and air filter and such with the airhose and tinkered with a couple other misc things but to no avail. I just got the car repainted and new fenders and then this happened so i'm on kinda a tight budget and trying to fix it myself.

Musikmann

I doubt this will fix the problem but as a FYI: you can't clean the MAF with an air hose. For about $6 you can buy a can or CRC MAF cleaner. Then you need to remove the sensor element from the outer housing using a security torx and spray the business end very well with the cleaner. BTW, MAF codes are generally in the P0170-P0173 range.

13bArtillery107

Well, i did an oil change and messed with a couple other things, about to check out the fuel filter situation, PO was an idiot and neglected quite a few things on the car. I fixed most of his presidential solutions, but i wouldn't doubt it if it even has the original spark plugs still.

13bArtillery107

After further tinkering i decided to remove the fuel filter and inspect that situation, due to the fact that when i give it gas is when it really chokes out, and it runs worse after it chokes out the first time. I pulled it off and the liquid that came out was pretty black, after i dumped the "gas" outta it, i sprayed it out with the airgun onto a clean work rag, and it painted it black. I think it's pretty safe to assume this was the problem, but i'm waiting on the new filter, so i'll keep my fingers crossed.

wisniew

I had something very similar .. I had to punch the accelerator (to get a license plate number on some idiot) ... lost power .. shudder shudder shudder ... Turned car off ... no problems since ... engine light is still on though. I need to get the codes and go from there ..