Engine chugging at low speeds when the weather is bad

ANSWER : It is very possible that moisture is getting into the connectors of the engine control module. The connectors should be checked and cleaned if necessary. Di-electric grease can be used to help seal the connectors and keep the moisture out. Fault codes should also be read out of the engine control module to ensure that there are no other failures that could be affecting the drivability of the engine. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who has the expertise to prevent moisture ingress, and has the equipment to interrogate fault memories and determine the cause of your engine hesitation.

ANSWER : This may be related to a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at idle. This valve is controlled by the vehicle’s computer which will adjust idle speed based upon other measurements such as engine temperature, intake air temperature and electrical system load or voltage. When you accelerate, the engine RPM increases, and as you let off the gas, the RPM slowly returns to the normal idling speed. This is all controlled by the idle air control valve. When the engine RPM drops below the normal range of 750-800 RPM (for most cars), this often times will cause the engine to stall indicating a dirty or faulty idle air control valve. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and repair your idle air control valve.

ANSWER : The noise associated with steering at low speed is not related to the fault causing code P1717 to display. The steering related noise could involve the power steering pump and/or drive belt although there are other possibilities. To pinpoint the source of the noise you are hearing, the recommended service is a power steering system inspection.

With regard to code P1717, that code sets if there is a problem involving the transmission selector range switch. Among the possible faults is a faulty transmission range switch, the transmission range switch harness is open or shorted and/or the transmission range switch circuit has high resistance electrical connections. To resolve that issue, the appropriate service is a check engine light diagnostic – code P1717. During such a diagnostic, a certified mechanic from YourMechanic would retrieve all the diagnostic trouble code(s) from your car’s PCM that have caused the check engine light to illuminate. Using those codes, the appropriate individual vehicle components or sub-systems (often a sensor, circuit, and the like) are tested to pinpoint the cause of the fault or the reason why the check engine light has illuminated. Once the faulty part or component is identified, it is explained to your satisfaction and the mechanic will let you know of the cost to repair. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : An engine computer cannot control, or affect, "basic" engine mechanical compression, that is the level of cylinder compression measured in a static test. Even in the complete absence of any engine computer, the basic specified compression of an engine will exist. If the engine doesn’t have the minimum specified compression, then the engine is mechanically broken. If the timing belt on the engine is in the correct position, the SOLE determinants of engine compression, during the typical static test, are: 1) the condition of the cylinder walls and the piston rings; 2) the condition of the engine valves and valve train; and 3) the condition of the head gasket. Consequently, if the engine has no, or little, compression during a test with the throttle held open, there is a mechanical problem with the engine, not an electrical problem. I would first check to be sure the timing belt has not slipped; that fault alone can ruin compression. If the timing belt has not slipped, and you desire a run down of your options to get this resolved, please request a rough engine operation diagnostic. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic because we want you to make the most of your repair dollars and help you to get the best possible results.

ANSWER : Hello. Warning lights accompanied with stalling can be caused by many things. If the oil is low I would go ahead and top it off to prevent the possibility of engine damage, however, it is unlikely that low oil is what caused the stalling. Stalling is most commonly caused by issues with the ignition, engine management, or fuel systems. If one of the components, such as a major sensor, the fuel pump, or the ignition coil, go out or have an issue they can cause the engine to stall. If the vehicle is no longer starting then it may be possible that there is an issue with the electrical system as well, perhaps a faulty battery or alternator. If the alternator goes out it will eventually drain the battery, which could also cause stalling. Scanning the computer for trouble codes, once the vehicle is started, will likely reveal some insight into what the issue may be. As the possibilities could be many, I would recommend having a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location diagnose what may have caused your vehicle to stall.

ANSWER : Hello there. Typically jump starting a vehicle doesn’t trigger an OBD-II error code. However, one of the most common misdiagnosis issues with the P-2270 is replacing the O2 sensor before diagnosing if there are any exhaust leaks. Obviously, you’ll want to check for the exhaust leaks first, repair the damaged component, and then clear the codes before scanning the vehicle again. Sometimes the electrical harness attached to the O2 sensor is damaged or dirty which will also trigger this error code. The noise and vibration may be an indicator of a loose exhaust pipe, which may be the source of the error code staying on. If you need any help, have a technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to diagnose your Check Engine Light and make the necessary repairs.

ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. I’d be happy to help. I would recommend checking the mass air flow sensor, as this is a commonly failing part that regulates the flow of air into the intake system as it mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. When this is faulty, this will also cause the truck to die occasionally and/or surge. If you’d like, one of our certified automotive technicians can come to your home or office to inspect the mass air flow sensor for you and make any repairs if needed.

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. This is a common problem associated with fuel/air delivery which is very commonly related to what is called a mass airflow sensor. This monitors the flow of air intake into the throttle body as it is mixed with fuel to deliver the right air/fuel mixture into the motor. When this is not working properly, this will cause this kind of hesitation or surging when trying to accelerate. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home or office to confirm a diagnosis on the issue and make or suggest the necessary repairs or replacements.