phil128605

Hey guys, I really hope someone can help. A few days ago, I broke the PCV valve off in the rear valve cover of my 99 rx and was forced to remove the rear valve cover to get it out. While back there, I replaced the valve cover gasket, and spark plugs. I did the same thing on the front. Today I got finished, and cranked it up. It cranks fine, idles fine, revs fine, so I thought all was good. I took it down the road, and it stumbles in first gear, and revs to about 4k before shifting, and when it does shift, it jerks hard. Then in second, its sluggish, and keeps wanting to down shift. I checked everything over, I didnt leave any hoses off or anything, and its not throwing any codes at the moment. I know if I take it somewhere, they are going to say it needs a transmission, but thats not the case, because it was perfect before I replaced the valve cover gaskets and spark plugs. Any idea as to what it could be? All help would be greatly appreciated.

hypervish

What type of spark plugs did you install? Hopefully not Bosch. These engines def. don't like those.

phil128605

I installed the Denso iridium ones that came in it from the factory.

hypervish

Did you check the gap? Any signs of misfiring?

phil128605

yea, the manual says not to gap them. its not misfiring at all, revs up fine and all. i just realized something. I may have left a ground off of the back of the manifold, would that cause a problem like this?

hypervish

I'm not sure if that would cause it. I'd wait for Lexmex or some other people on this matter. If I think of anything else I'll let you know.

phil128605

k, thanks. I hope someone has some answers. This thing is so discouraging.

hypervish

Your welcome. I'm sure others will be more than happy to help. Keep your hopes up. Have you cleaned the IACV or any other things related to that?

phil128605

I havent cleaned the IACV. It does have a new Mass air flow sensor in it. Its just weird because its not throwing any codes, but I didnt drive it far either, maybe a mile. I was scared something could get messed up if I drove it while it was acting up like it is.

Nad1370

Did you check your "kick down" cable for the trans on the t-body if it was adjusted correctly upon install?

phil128605

Thats the same as the throttle cable right? Both cables were reinstalled in the same exact postion they were in when I took them off, so my answer is yes.

99rx

iTrader: (6)

Your ground cable can definently do some crazy to the car. You need to hook that back up and check I out. That could be The whole issue.

phil128605

Thats what im hoping. Its actually my mothers car, I feel terrible about the whole situation. I wonder exactly what that ground goes to?

Lexmex

Phil,

What it might be is that the vehicle is not anticipating the fresh plugs. I.E., the vehicle computer is thinking the same plugs (dirty and all) are still in there and cannot account for the new information it is now receiving, i.e. a/f ratios etc.

What you might want to try is disconnect the battery for a few minutes, reconnect, and do a 15 minute drive, try 50/50 mix of city/highway if possible to get above 55 mph (I know a more detailed procedure here, but 15 minutes of that type of driving and getting at least over 55 mph should reveal any details). That should help the ECM (Engine Control Module) realign everything from scratch.

phil128605

Thank you for your input. I did disconnect the battery, but only for maybe a minute at most. I think I will take the intake plenum off and try and trace down that possible ground issue, and then try your method of reprogramming the ECM. I know how these sensors and computers can really wreak havoc. This has been a wonderfull car for my mother, it has 180,000 miles on it now. I hope I can get this issue fixed myself. This forum has been alot of help.