CEL after 60k Tune up.

[NSXLuvr]

I apologize in advance for the long story.

I took my car in for 60k service(at 47k miles) at ****** Acura about 18 months ago. They did everything including water pump and TB. I get the car back after a long delay and immediately it has a CEL and rough idle. Unfortunately the mechanics had left already. So I drive it and the next day I am advised to reset the ECU by pulling the clock fuse. I do that and the car is running fine for a few days. Then again CEL. I take it back to the dealership. This time they think the Valve adjustment wasn't quite right. They re adjust it. On the drive home the light comes on but the idle is fine. Since then - the car has intermittently had the problem for the last 18+ months. I live 2 hours away and the car would reset the light before I had the time to take it back. It ran fine, I dynoed it and it was working fine. I tracked it - no issues. So I was thinking I will take it back when I have time.

I have driven it 8k miles since then. In the last couple of months. Again, CEL but this time with TCS light and rough idle. I check the OBDII myself and it gives in CEL 1201- 1206(cylinder misfire) and a P0300. I take it back to the dealer. They can't seem to figure it out. Initially they think - it is the ignition coils. They service advisor is useless(susan where are you when I need you) but THINKS that they replaced the coils however, the light came back on. So the tech thinks that its a bent valve. They blame it on me tracking the car. As you can see this has become an extremely frustrating situation.

My question is:
1. what else could it be?
2. How do I go about resolving the issues that in my opinion are most likely their creation yet I might have to pay for?

TIA

 

[dalybo]

My 1996 car had the same exact and intermittent symptoms. I had one bad coil. What I did to confirm was...

1. erase the CEL code

2. swap the number six cylinder coil (i.e. the one that is giving you the 1206 code) with a close by cylinder coil.

3. I bet the next time the symptom occurs it will be the cylinder that now has the previous number 6 six coil.

4. If 3 = yes, buy a new coil for about $80.00 and replace the identified bad coil

 

[drew]

Name the dealer, no point in keeping this secret. Otherwise they can give bad service with impunity. The whole idea of this forum is about specific and useful information.

Are you getting a single coil or the whole bank? Do swap around the coils as indicated.

If not, it could be that the timing belt one tooth off(?), get a compression check to determine if this is the issue.

Report back.

Drew

 

[Larry Bastanza]

If not, it could be that the timing belt one tooth off(?), get a compression check to determine if this is the issue.

I agree, rear exhaust cam.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Daedalus]

Would a rear exhaust cam being off give misfire codes for all 6 cylinders? Would the belt being off 1 tooth in the rear show up in a vacuum test? They're much easier/faster than a compression check.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Yes, per a past discussion it would show up in a vacuum test, since alternating cylinders will be pulling unevenly.

I have seen misfire codes all over the place when things are not right. Since this has happened just after the timing nelt change it leads me to think this is a likely cause. Until it gets looked at we will not know for sure.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[zahntech]

Seems unlikely that the coil or coils are going to fail in time with the 60k/timing belt service.

I agree with Larry..the cam timing is likely not correct..the car will run with any of the cams 1 tooth off..but not properly and misfire codes will be set.

 

[NSXLuvr]

Thanks Guys. The latest is that isn't the Coils or the Valves. Its most likely the fuel injectors.

Well we will see how it goes.

Thanks

 

[NSXLuvr]

well- after 2 weeks. Its not the coils, not the fuel injectors. Same 1201-1206 codes. They don't "think" it is the TB. They think its the heads or a bent valve. Est. Cost $8k.

HELP. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[kkim]

Have they done a compression or a leakdown test yet?

 

[zahntech]

sounds like you need to put the brakes on right there....if they can't figure it out you need to get a second opinion as soon as possible..


maybe they did find the problem and they put the belt on more than 1 tooth off and it bent the valves ...now they want you to pay for it..

you need to get someone else that does not have thier interests in mind looking at it.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

sounds like you need to put the brakes on right there....if they can't figure it out you need to get a second opinion as soon as possible..


maybe they did find the problem and they put the belt on more than 1 tooth off and it bent the valves ...now they want you to pay for it..

you need to get someone else that does not have thier interests in mind looking at it.

100% agree. Get a second opinion.

LarryB

 

[brandonsan]

From what you are saying it sounds like the timing belt is off one tooth. I think the speculation of faulty injectors is BS. Was it an actual NSX tech that worked on your car ? I know of some dealers in my area that do not have an actual NSX tech but claim they do. A lot of NSX techs have moved on to different brands or gave up turning wrenches all together.

 

[redbird92]

Hey , any news?? I'm in MD , I have fixed these cars for years and helped a few members here ie " the hunter" let me know if I can help you ..:smile: BEN

 

[NSXLuvr]

Quick Summary: Car fixed. It was the TB afterall.:smile: :smile:

Long story: After getting PM's from Larry(I owe you a 6 pack now), and reading the advice on this thread I advised the service advisor to ask the NSX tech(yes he is NSX certified) to just redo the TB. What's the harm in redoing it. If that doesn't fix it then I was most likely just going to pick it and get a second opinion. The Tech redid the TB. He said it wasn't off a tooth. However, the CEL went away and diagnostic test was normal afterwords. They kept the car overnight and rechecked it Friday morning. Car was fine, No CEL. I picked up the car last night. So far no CEL.

Total bill - $1089 for Labor, diagnostic tests, replacing VC gaskets and reassembling the camplugs(whatever that is). They replaced all 6 fuel injectors but decided not to charge me for the parts or labor.:wink:

Thanks for all the help guys. Car runs good as new.

 

[dalybo]

just redoing the TB scope of work to fix the problem with no errors to report does not make sense; either the NSX tech that performed the job is not telling all he knows or the problem is not really fixed yet. I will standby for more news.

 

[zahntech]

$1089 to fix a problem they caused?