1997 Tracker crapping out

DarnThorny · 10-05-2007, 09:59 AM

I've had a 97 Tracker auto (100K) since January. At State inpection time (June) it didn't pass emmisions. The check engine light was on..the inspection guy thought it was a solonoid at the front of the engine, changed it but it still didn't pass (check light ws still on, intermittent) but I had spent enough..Ok, everything ran fine until two days ago. It started running rough, sounded like 3 cylinders, then yesterday my daughter told me that she couldn't get over 15mph on the way home from school. It's not using oil, or smoking..any thoughts on where to start? It had a new timing belt about 20k ago and was pretty well maintained by the previous owner.

tracka96 · 10-05-2007, 11:54 AM

The first thing you'llhave to do is to read the trouble codes. You can do that by getting your own OBD2 scanner for under $50.00, or go to autozone and they'll scan it for free.
Don't buy any parts tho till you post here as to what the code number is. The DTC codes will point you in the direction as to what system has the problem. Tracka96

Wheelhorse97 · 10-05-2007, 04:37 PM

tracka,

whatdaya think: EGR or crank pulley?

As far as any emissions guy, I better see an ASE Master plus L1 certificate from that clown if he expects to receive any respect from me.

DarnThorny · 10-05-2007, 05:01 PM

Thanks for the replies..I don't think I want to make the trip to autozone in it, as it's running pretty bad. Where can I get a cheap OBDll reader? They seam to vary in $$..does it make a difference?

tracka96 · 10-05-2007, 07:03 PM

You can get them on ebay or cheapest from Harbot Freight, I think all of the low end scanners, like under 50.00 are about the same. They'll give you the code and also enable you to reset the ck engine light. (Had plugs and wires recently?) Tracka96

DarnThorny · 10-05-2007, 10:21 PM

Ok, cool. Nope to the plugs and wires as far as I know. Tomorrow I can actually get a look at it...hopefully I can get it to Autozone, or I'll have to wait till I can order an OBD2 scanner. Thanks again. I'll keep you posted.

DarnThorny · 10-06-2007, 02:25 PM

OK, i finally got to have a look this morning..two spark plug wires had rubbed through themselves down to the core...then, while it was running I touched the plug end cap on the front cylinder..it felt like it was being hammered on. When I went to pull it, the wire came apart and the plug wasn't even finger tight..all sooty. Anyway, cut to the chase- plugs, wires rotor and cap..runs like a top. BTW, the Duralast rotor from autozone didn't fit, so I went to Pep Boys and got a Borg Warner rotor...slipped right on. Also got an Actron OBD2 reader for $39(49 and a $10 rebate). Now I need to go see what codes are showing and reset it. Thanks again Tracka96.

DarnThorny · 10-06-2007, 03:25 PM

The codes are P0400 and P0443. It also had a MIL (whatevr that is) readout for catalyst. I reset it and drove a few miles. The Check Engine light came on very briefly when turning into the driveway, but went out. I checked it again, but it says 0 codes still.

tracka96 · 10-06-2007, 03:52 PM

MIL means malfunction indicator light, also known as check engine light. 0400 code is EGR problem, your light will probably come back on after a few miles, but maybe not. To read about 0400 go to jtgh's page, he's got all the info. Here: index
Tracka96

DarnThorny · 10-06-2007, 06:40 PM

Yeesh....thanks? That's daunting.