04 V6 running like crap, truck in limp mode

[illjim69]

So here is the skinny. I started to change the plugs and wires in my wife's 04 V6, I figured with a little over 90k miles, it was time. Anyway, I started on the right side since they were the easiest to get to and I could not get the darn plugs out. They seemed to be seized up or something, but they wouldn't break loose. So I figured I would do it another time when I had my hands on better tools and perhaps a stronger friend, lol. Well I put the plug wires back on but then the darn truck was misfiring, or so it seemed. Running very rough, then it shut itself off. I restarted it and took it to the closest auto repair shop, it would go no faster than 30mph and the revs went no higher than 2000rpms. There was no SES light. So the shop changed the plugs and wires for me, said it is still running like crap. Any ideas? The shop is a little backed up, so it might be another day or two before I find out whats up. They said they are going to run a compression test and all that. Would reflashing or resetting the ECU help?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT - Days prior to the above story, I cleaned and reoiled the K&N filter and also cleaned the MAF with MAF cleaner. Not sure if that would matter.

 

[pet575]

I'm betting on it being your MAF sensor. Mine went into "Engine Failure Protection Mode" when it got some snow/ice on the MAF sensor due to the air filter box not being locked down all the way.

 

[illjim69]

Well turns out that I am a moron! Apparently I had the firing order off, which I don't see how since the plug wires only reach to their respective plugs, but I am glad it was that simple.

 

[pet575]

My other guess was that you had crossed a plug wire. Glad you figured it out.

 

[illjim69]

Thanks for the response.

 

[2000StreetRod]

find another repair shop

I'm amazed that a socalled repair shop changed your plugs and wires and did not check the firing order. I would not go there again. Glad you got it fixed and thanks for posting the solution.

 

[illjim69]

Well in all fairness, I was the one who did the "repair" in the first place. I tried to change the plugs and couldn't get them loose, so then I just slapped the wires back on. Honestly, I assumed they were okay and didn't look at the numbers. The length on each wire was enough to make me feel confident that I had them right without actually looking.....my mistake.

By the way, I live in BFE, NY.........no joke. There is ONE mechanic in the area and he is still 10 miles or so from me. It is a lifestyle choice, lol. No traffic noise, no light pollution but you can't get pizza delivered and you have a bit of a drive to anything you might need.

 

[jrford]

Well in all fairness, I was the one who did the "repair" in the first place. I tried to change the plugs and couldn't get them loose, so then I just slapped the wires back on. Honestly, I assumed they were okay and didn't look at the numbers. The length on each wire was enough to make me feel confident that I had them right without actually looking.....my mistake.

By the way, I live in BFE, NY.........no joke. There is ONE mechanic in the area and he is still 10 miles or so from me. It is a lifestyle choice, lol. No traffic noise, no light pollution but you can't get pizza delivered and you have a bit of a drive to anything you might need.

Been there done that when i was a kid i 'tried' to help a buddy and change his plugs on a V8, really screwed it up, panic set in stopped thinking and had it towed. . . . .

by chance with those clear dark skies ever use a telescope?

 

[illjim69]

Been there done that when i was a kid i 'tried' to help a buddy and change his plugs on a V8, really screwed it up, panic set in stopped thinking and had it towed. . . . .

by chance with those clear dark skies ever use a telescope?

Well I am 30 and have been tinkering with cars for a while. I figure I just wasn't paying attention to what I was doing. Lesson learned.

Oddly enough, no, no telescope use. However I have been meaning to set up my camera on a tripod and get some nice long exposure shots. But I would imagine if stargazing is what someone was into, this is a great place to do it. Also fun if you like guns........can just shoot em right off the back deck.