Think about it........if it were truly "bad gas" causing the problem, the shaking and poor running and the light wouldn't goout after it warms up..........since the gas is still being used but the engine smooths out as it warms, it's certainly not the gas. More likely some sensor going bad, like maybe an O2 sensor, and the engine's trying to either run too lean or too rich when cold. It warms up, the sensor finally gets normal readings. Probably something else, but along those lines.
Also, don't you think it's odd that while not everyone in Arizona buys only Shell or Chevron gas, yet they seem to have cars that run quite fine on the other brands? If all your other brands of gas were that poor, your roadsides would be littered with dead or dying cars.
Run from that dealer as fast as you can. All they want to do is open your wallet and checkbook and empty both.....to do nothign other than maybe replace some plugs, a sensor, a bad spark plug wire, or somethign equally simple. The rest of the $00 charge will be wall labor......that's the labor done to the car as it sits parked next to the back wall on the dealership.
ps........dealers do a lot of wall tuneups, too. Damned expensive considering how much work actually is done.
Also, don't you think it's odd that while not everyone in Arizona buys only Shell or Chevron gas, yet they seem to have cars that run quite fine on the other brands? If all your other brands of gas were that poor, your roadsides would be littered with dead or dying cars.
Run from that dealer as fast as you can. All they want to do is open your wallet and checkbook and empty both.....to do nothign other than maybe replace some plugs, a sensor, a bad spark plug wire, or somethign equally simple. The rest of the $00 charge will be wall labor......that's the labor done to the car as it sits parked next to the back wall on the dealership.
ps........dealers do a lot of wall tuneups, too. Damned expensive considering how much work actually is done.
i second the question on whether this is covered under warranty or not. it's an 03 and acura has 4 year/50k warranties. definitely get a 2nd opinion. keep us updated.
That many error codes usually indicates a bad powertrain control module. Or a bad ground going to it - causing EVERYTHING to read incorrectly.
If it's just misfire codes, that should be easy to diagnose. They should perform a cylinder balance test to determine which cylinder (or cylinders) is misfiring, then rule out spark (plug, ignition coil), fuel (injector, or injector pulse) or compression (compression test). If it's a compression issue, then and only then is a tear down warranted.
Either take it somewhere else, or...assume the position.
If it's just misfire codes, that should be easy to diagnose. They should perform a cylinder balance test to determine which cylinder (or cylinders) is misfiring, then rule out spark (plug, ignition coil), fuel (injector, or injector pulse) or compression (compression test). If it's a compression issue, then and only then is a tear down warranted.
Either take it somewhere else, or...assume the position.
EarthwormJim
Diamond Member
- Oct 15, 2003
- 3,239
- 0
- 76
Yeah, you need to hit up another shop. I've been running my truck on Safeway gas since forever and never had an issue with it. When I was driving my 82 BMW (that had good compression but a messed to all heck head) I noticed QT's gas would make it run worse than anyone elses.
Every bit of logic in me wants to agree with you.
However, I can't shake the thought that my Celica started having engine trouble and finally died around when I started using Arco regularly, and a friend saw a significant improvement in the mileage of his (admittedly sucky) Sunbird when he switched to Shell. Enough of an improvement that he was actually saving money by buying more expensive gas.
Maybe the Arcos in Seattle all have old, leaky tanks that let in the rain and coffee residue
My own personal fuel prejudice is Chevron, though I can't really justify it.
**Update**
Acura called and said they narrowed it down to fuel injectors and that estimated cost of replacing is $1200. They're clogged or dirty or something and my warranty wont cover that because they say it's a maintenance issue. Do the above suggestions still apply (fuel cleaners and whatnot)? Thanks for the help!
Acura called and said they narrowed it down to fuel injectors and that estimated cost of replacing is $1200. They're clogged or dirty or something and my warranty wont cover that because they say it's a maintenance issue. Do the above suggestions still apply (fuel cleaners and whatnot)? Thanks for the help!
slayer202
Lifer
- Nov 27, 2005
- 13,679
- 119
- 106
When coming back (to CA) from a trip to CO & NM, I refueled my parents' Forester somewhere between Flagstaff and Kingman with generic 86-octane stuff. Somewhere between Needles and Barstow, the CEL flashed on and remained on. The car continued to ride perfectly smooth as it did before & otherwise during the trip. Took it to Autozone and discovered some code indicating a misfire. After refilling with some Arco 87-octane gas (the brand our family usually uses as it's cheapest), I cleared the trouble codes, the light went off and has remained off in the several months since.
So, as silly as it may sound, 'bad gas' may have been the culprit, although not necessarily a reflection on the brand of gas (as evidenced in my case). I'd use up that tank of gas, refill with something more 'premium,' replace the fuel filter (if necessary and you feel so inclined) and clear the engine codes and see what happens. Wouldn't hurt and it'd be dang cheap to do compared to that 'job' Acura wants to pull on you.
So, as silly as it may sound, 'bad gas' may have been the culprit, although not necessarily a reflection on the brand of gas (as evidenced in my case). I'd use up that tank of gas, refill with something more 'premium,' replace the fuel filter (if necessary and you feel so inclined) and clear the engine codes and see what happens. Wouldn't hurt and it'd be dang cheap to do compared to that 'job' Acura wants to pull on you.
arco IS crap gas compared to chevron (which is the only gas i get), sheel, 76, and mobile, however no it will NOT cause that damage especiall just $10 worth. my moms drives a 2006 bmw 325i and 90% of her gas comes from ARCO, 87 octane at that and there aren't any probs, she drove her 2002 camry for 4 years on just arco gas again no problems
i would do what others said and get multiple opinions!
i would do what others said and get multiple opinions!
57,000 miles, 2003 TL. It was purchased from a Chrysler dealership and has their max care 78,000 mile warranty extension. I'm in San Francisco until Sunday so I wont be able to do any of this stuff for about a week, but I appreciate all of the responses
They want $1,200 for replacing your fuel injectors? Tell them where to shove it. That's highway robbery and then some. Don't give them a dime, and if they fuss over it mention the BBB, and 5 on your side, because they'd love to hear as to why it costs $1,200 to replace fuel injectors.
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