Thread: Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking

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  1. #1 Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking 
    SE Level Member Skrappi69's Avatar
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    Hi all. I know the rules about looking for post on a topic before posting but I wasn't sure where to start with this one.

    My 99 Grand Prix (non-super charged) was running smoothly when the check engine light came on flashing and the motor sputtered as if it was not getting fuel and died. Would not start. After having it towed home I put it on my code reader and came up with the following:

    PO300 - Cylinder misfire - I know that if the code reads 301, 302, etc it denotes which cylinder is misfiring. A code 300 supposedly meant multiple misfires.

    PO141 - O2 Sensor - That shouldn’t cause the motor to die should it?

    PO125 - Is closed loop fuel ctrl insufficient coolant temp - I replaced the heater core and thermostat a while back. Flushed the whole system and bled off any air pockets. Ran at normal operating temp.

    My main concern is the PO300 code seeing as that is a misfire and the motor will turn over but not start. I noticed what I think are three coils on the right hand side of the motor. I'm assuming two per cylinder? Bad coil perhaps?

    Anyway... advice on where to start with this would be greatly appreciated. BTW, no, I cannot afford to take it to a shop just in case that was someone's first answer.
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  2. #2 Re: Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking 
    GTP Level Member BlackGT97's Avatar
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    one coil fires two cylinders. try changing the coolant temp sensor for the p0125 code. o2 sensor shouldnt make the car die. as for the p0300 code, there are multiple things that can make it misfire and i could list them all, but i think ill let the more experiance guys get that one.
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  3. #3 Re: Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
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    pull the plugs, look for damage.

    SMGPFC Member #1
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  4. #4 Re: Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking 
    SE Level Member Skrappi69's Avatar
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    @ BlackGT97. I'll try replacing the coolant temp sensor.

    @ Fivefingerdeathpunch. Not so sure the plugs are the issue seeing as multiple cylinders started misfiring simultaniously.
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  5. #5 Re: Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking 
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    Quote Originally Posted by Skrappi69 View Post
    My 99 Grand Prix (non-super charged) was running smoothly when the check engine light came on flashing and the motor sputtered as if it was not getting fuel and died.
    Need to do some quick checks to see if you lost fuel or spark first.

    Sounds like you ran outta fuel, either by having an empty fuel tank or other fuel delivery issue. Take your fuel cap off and put your ear to it and listen while someone else cycles the ignition key back n forth a few times between OFF and RUN (not start). You should hear the fuel pump humm with the cycles. It should sound like a smooth hum, it shouldn't sound like it's in pain and crying out for mercy. Do ya hear it?
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  6. #6 Re: Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    I'm with FFDP on pulling plugs. You wouldn't be looking for a true plug issue, but anything odd with them. Say for example if they were damaged or soaked with coolant. Wet plugs don't fire. Being a non-SC it's possible to have a ruptured UIM soak your motor in coolant. That could cause the coolant sensor to read incorrectly (no coolant = funky air reading off sensor) etc etc.

    As well, checking the fuel pump as Nacho said is a great idea too. I'd probably add in pushing the schrader with a rag to see if fuel spurts out. Only because I've heard a pump actuate w/o pumping enough pressure to start an engine. It's uncommon....but hey.. I wonder at times...if everything hasn't happened to me.
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  7. #7 Re: Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking 
    SE Level Member Skrappi69's Avatar
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    All good advice guys....I appreciate the tips.

    Well, I know there's fuel. However like BillBoost37 pointed out, it is possible that even when I hear the fuel pump kick in fuel could not be making it to the injectors. What is a UIM? Not familiar with that term. Also, what do you mean by "pushing the 'shrader' with a rag?"

    Thanks.
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  8. #8 Re: Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    UIM is upper intake manifold, the black thing right under the fuel rail.
    Schrader is the tire fill looking valve on the fuel rail up front. When you push down on it..you should get a good spurt of fuel (instead of air).
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

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  9. #9 Re: Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking 
    SE Level Member Skrappi69's Avatar
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    @ BillBoost37 - How will I be able to tell if the UIM is leaking coolant? If that is the case, is my car now dead? I'm pretty handy with a wrench as I research anything I do thoroughly before undertaking a task but this is a new one for me.
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  10. #10 Re: Motor died - multiple error codes - clueless where to start looking 
    Florida Tuner Z34Phoenix's Avatar
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    for research look up lower intake gasket replacement. that will give you all you need to get down and find any coolant leaks in the intake system.

    as for figureing out if you have an intake leak. Like said, pull the plugs and look there. I would also look to see if your coolant is low at all... check in the radiator too if it if very low you could have a leak in the intake as the coolant had to go somewhere.


    if it doesnt start i would go from ground zero and start from scratch.
    1) Pull plugs check for coolant like said, if they look lean or rich, any damage, then a compression check if the plugs look fine. If good on to next step
    2) Fuel pressure check at rail. if you can find one to rent an injector test light. but a fault in the wiring is rare.
    3) Spark as long as one wire from each coil pack throws a spark from the terminal to the wire both will be good 9/10 cause its a loop system.

    all you need is air fuel spark and it will fire. if your close to stock you can pull the battery to reset the fuel trims on the PCM and then disconnect the MAF and start it. will go into limp/ open loop mode. its all about ruling out variables.

    when my DOHC jump time i pretty much had to run thru the big three scratching my head cause everything looked fine on the fuel and spark section. the DOHC is AL head so i didnt want to pull the plugs and strip them. also i was without my compression tester anyway. a compression check would have told me imediatly that i had a problem. later when i tore it all down i had air blowing out the intake side of the heads!

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