2001 SL2 LOW power 2 codes

[wolffboy]

Replaced ACTS 3 weeks ago, car was running fine. Yesterday experienced loss of power and clicking noise when loading engine. Car has trouble reaching 60mph. Idling rough. Running a little warm as well.
Codes are P0172 and P0341. I know this car has no "Cam Position Sensor" Have read many threads regarding this code, and most did not have the poor performance issue I have.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[rc1488]

Its ECTS.

If you read the threads on the Cam Position sensor then my next question would be did you do anything that was listed by other members regarding this code?

Check your ECTS connector. It needs to be clean and corrosion free.

[wolffboy]

I replaced the ECTS with a Saturn Brass one 3 weeks ago.

I have not replaced the spark plugs or wires, although the plugs were replaced in July 08.

[rc1488]

The connector to the ECTS needs to be verified for lack of corrosion. A corroded connector is just as bad as having a bad ECTS.

Spark plug type?

Have you cleaned the mounting plate on the ignition module and tranny?
Clean the coil posts?
Age of the current wires?
Define "warm" operating temps. Normal is 3/8 read from the gauge.

[wolffboy]

The connector to the ECTS needs to be verified for lack of corrosion. A corroded connector is just as bad as having a bad ECTS.

Would a bad connector indicate coolant temp at all?


Spark plug type? Bosch Platinum (i know this is not preferred)

Have you cleaned the mounting plate on the ignition module and tranny?

No

Clean the coil posts?

No

Age of the current wires?

Original as far as I know (bought the car with 98K

Define "warm" operating temps. Normal is 3/8 read from the gauge.

Its about 3/8, but higher than it was running before

[wolffboy]

Took car into mechanic this morning, he told me:

Cylinder 4 is out
Need to remove heads to diagnose ($1100)

Is it time to retire this car?

TIA

[rc1488]

Originally Posted by wolffboy

Took car into mechanic this morning, he told me:

Cylinder 4 is out
Need to remove heads to diagnose ($1100)

Is it time to retire this car?

TIA

Compression numbers?

[wolffboy]

Mechanic said the compression test would be another $44 plus he said the plug wires are "crackling" and would need to be replaced upon removal for the test (they will break)

So, no I do not ave compression numbers.

[madpogue]

So without a compression test, how did your mechanic determine that "cylinder 4 is out"? What does "out" mean? I'm skeptical of any diagnostic done with a known bad set of spark plugs and wires.

For $44, you can BUY a compression tester and a spark plug socket, and have money left over to go toward replacing those shot spark plug wires and the no-no platinum plugs. If it turns out compression is low on #4, a few more dollars, or a bit of ingenuity and fabrication, can get you a leakdown tester to determine why the compression is low without removing the cylinder head.

For $1200 you can buy a couple of engines, or a whole 'nother Saturn.

I would be leery of trusting any mechanic referring to the "heads" (plural) on your car.

[wolffboy]

Thanks madpogue, I will get my own tester, cables & plugs & let you know what I find.

BTW the "mechanic" is Precision Tune Auto Care

[rc1488]

Ummm i wish i had his x-ray vision.

Get your car out of there. Get your money back. And do your own testing and we'll help you with a diagnosis.

[wolffboy]

OK, I changed the plugs (put in NGK) and the wires (7.5mm)

No change, still very rough, kind of a chugging sound