CK eng P 0300 on 2004 Pacifica

[Monty Howard]

Just when I think I have no wuestions this comes up LOL.

Today I went for an oil change at Chrysler. When the car was returned the check engine light came on showing a code of P 0300 (Multiple cylinder misfire). I am still driving the car with no noticeable trouble, performance issues, or rough running engine.

I plan on re-setting the code tonight so I can see if it comes back on.

The only strange thing that occured with the car was early this afternoon before the oil change. I went to start the car after several days of it sitting unused (about 5 days) and there was a mildly loud pinging sound (or tapping like older car tappet noise) for about 4 seconds which soon went away. This only happened once and the car has been used multiple times today.

Anyone have any ideas what I may be dealing with?

The noise I heard has me stumped, otherwise I might think bad plug wires, or a fuel injection problem to list a few. It could be the noise had nothing to do with the check engine light but the coincidence of noise prior to check engine light seems strange.

This one has me STUMPED!

Topic

[Bill]

I think the noise was a lifter(s) noise. The oil probably leaked out from sitting. As long as the noise went away within a few seconds I wouldn’t worry about it. As far as the MIL light being on I would erase the fault code and see if it returns.

[Its me]

If the ticking comes back worse and worse… This is the problem you have…(click on link below)..It starts as a little tick and becomes a loud tick within a very short time… Very common on the 3.5 Chryslers of your vintage….. The web is full of info and this is a well known problem…(just Google Chrysler Pacifica engine ticking)…. The good news is it is fairly easy for a DIYer with a Torque wrench to do…. The bad news is that it will be harder to do on a transverse mounted engine, especially if the bad bank is by the firewall….

http://ericthecarguy.com/kunena/10-Repair-Central-The-How-To-Forum/46464-toyotakarl-case-chrysler-300-ticking-noise

-Karl

[Monty Howard]

THANKS guys for the SPEEDY info! 😉

I also ran across a tech tip article involving valve cover rotation at lower RPM’s for the 3.5 liter engine. It is here and details each step in repairing the problem. http://www.underhoodservice.com/Article/67328/tech_tip_multiple_cylinder_misfire_or_rough_idle_on_chrysler_models.aspx

It seems this is caused when the engine is not allowed to reach higher RPMs and is primarily driven mostly for shorter distances. We rarely get on the expressway in town and generally never exceed 50 mph on city streets.

What I have decided to do is reset the MIL light and see if the problem re-occurs. As noted the engine is not running rough and excelleration is excellent. Maybe there is a small carbon build up around the valve covers preventing them from properly rotating.

If the problem returns I will come back with more history.

[Author]

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