Hello all,
Need some help/insight/ideas/suggestions about this problem I am having. I'll try my best to be brief and to the point.
Engine is 2.4L 4 cylinders currently with 143K miles.
Latest oil analysis here: https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...nknown-9-408-miles-2012-chevrolet-malibu
The issue is as follows:
I have been getting a CEL light for some time now. The code is P0304 Cylinder 4 misfire
the CEL goes away and then comes back intermitallnately.
Sometimes I can the SERVICE ECS & SERVICE TRACTION messages and only when the car is idling.
When I start driving, the SERVICE ECS & SERVICE TRACTION goes away.
Sometimes the CEL will flash along with these messages, BUT only while the car is in idle. Flashing CEL will either go away or stays on after I start driving.
While driving, car runs smooth and nice as if there is nothing wrong.
This is what I did so far and what i suspect the problem is:
1. Changed spark plugs
2. Switched ignition coils 1 & 4
3. Checked wires, connections and for vacuum leaks.
4. Did a compression test. The 1st result shows #4 making 90 PSI. When I added oil it went up to 120.
5. Few weeks after that I did another compression test and the the readings for #4 were jumping from 90 to 120 and than back to 90.
I suspect my piston rings are causing this issue. Now are they sticking or just worn I don't know how to tell.
Short of taking the engine apart, anything I can do?
Thanks in advance!
Need some help/insight/ideas/suggestions about this problem I am having. I'll try my best to be brief and to the point.
Engine is 2.4L 4 cylinders currently with 143K miles.
Latest oil analysis here: https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...nknown-9-408-miles-2012-chevrolet-malibu
The issue is as follows:
I have been getting a CEL light for some time now. The code is P0304 Cylinder 4 misfire
the CEL goes away and then comes back intermitallnately.
Sometimes I can the SERVICE ECS & SERVICE TRACTION messages and only when the car is idling.
When I start driving, the SERVICE ECS & SERVICE TRACTION goes away.
Sometimes the CEL will flash along with these messages, BUT only while the car is in idle. Flashing CEL will either go away or stays on after I start driving.
While driving, car runs smooth and nice as if there is nothing wrong.
This is what I did so far and what i suspect the problem is:
1. Changed spark plugs
2. Switched ignition coils 1 & 4
3. Checked wires, connections and for vacuum leaks.
4. Did a compression test. The 1st result shows #4 making 90 PSI. When I added oil it went up to 120.
5. Few weeks after that I did another compression test and the the readings for #4 were jumping from 90 to 120 and than back to 90.
I suspect my piston rings are causing this issue. Now are they sticking or just worn I don't know how to tell.
Short of taking the engine apart, anything I can do?
Thanks in advance!