cr4x4cruiser
Observer
1998 Montero SR
110.000 original miles
New Timing Belt/ Water Pump/ Gaskets/ Seals/ Plugs/ Wires/ Blah, blah, blah...
Have attempted several times over the past few weeks [other parts of life interrupt] to get the ECM to reset, or ready itself for a smog test [CA].
Literally, have driven it on three 150-mile round trips, in the middle of the night [only way to cruise @ 60mph in/ around Los Angeles].
>> While out on test runs the rig is plugged into an INNOVA 3160d Scan Tool <<
First trip resulted in an error code [P0172] for Bank 1 / System Too Rich, which led us to replace the original - upstream - O2 Sensor.
But, it did not allow us to reset everything, or get us to the smog test.
Latest trip resulted in the following;
1] After getting on freeway, I could not engage the Cruise Control... issue never happened prior - but really only used on two previous trips.
2] A code appeared shortly after, declaring a problem with the CC or Speed Sensor [sorry, trying to drive @ 60mph and reading tiny print is impossible for me]. As well, I am an idiot for deleting the code prior to memorizing it.
3] After driving south 75 miles, to Oceanside ["that's too far..." - yeah, it may be], another code popped up; P0173 / Fuel Trim [Bank 2]... as well, the "Check Engine" finally triggered.
4] Turned around, and ended up driving north about 20 miles before pulling into a gas station to reset the scanner...
5] No sooner did I pull in than P0300 [Random Misfire] appeared...
6] Erased the codes... Check Engine light went off.
7] Headed back up the road, and P0125 [Insufficient Coolant Temp for Closed Loop System] declared itself...
8] Got home, stewed for awhile, went to bed [3:30am].
Plenty of possibilities here... BUT, would anyone care to agree with the following;
After going over it most of the day, considering what parts to throw at it, the "light bulb" moment occurred...
While discussing it with a friend, it dawned on me that when I initially connected the scanner to the truck the voltage was reading at about 11.50 volts... later, it was showing 10.50 volts.
As well, the dash gauge certainly did not appear to reach the same voltage level indicated as our '99 SR [not scientific, but it struck me as odd].
I suspect a malfunctioning Alternator...
- which could definitely affect the voltage being applied/ required for a plethora of sensors on the truck, right?
- like the Mass Airflow Sensor.
- or, Cruise Control.
- or, input required for an O2 Sensor.
- maybe even a sensor for the Coolant Temp.
We're taking it in tomorrow for diagnostics I am unable to perform... but I would appreciate your input/ opinion on such.
Is it very possible a malfunctioning Alternator could cause a bunch of FALSE error codes?
Tell me I'm on the right path... tell me I'm wrong... lecture me... school me.
Thanks to all,
Wm.
p.s. [we felt like I showed up with a "trailer queen" @ MOD 2017... especially when the "AZ Crew" pulled in... those boys ain't playing! well, yeah they are... not afraid of putting scars on their rigs]
110.000 original miles
New Timing Belt/ Water Pump/ Gaskets/ Seals/ Plugs/ Wires/ Blah, blah, blah...
Have attempted several times over the past few weeks [other parts of life interrupt] to get the ECM to reset, or ready itself for a smog test [CA].
Literally, have driven it on three 150-mile round trips, in the middle of the night [only way to cruise @ 60mph in/ around Los Angeles].
>> While out on test runs the rig is plugged into an INNOVA 3160d Scan Tool <<
First trip resulted in an error code [P0172] for Bank 1 / System Too Rich, which led us to replace the original - upstream - O2 Sensor.
But, it did not allow us to reset everything, or get us to the smog test.
Latest trip resulted in the following;
1] After getting on freeway, I could not engage the Cruise Control... issue never happened prior - but really only used on two previous trips.
2] A code appeared shortly after, declaring a problem with the CC or Speed Sensor [sorry, trying to drive @ 60mph and reading tiny print is impossible for me]. As well, I am an idiot for deleting the code prior to memorizing it.
3] After driving south 75 miles, to Oceanside ["that's too far..." - yeah, it may be], another code popped up; P0173 / Fuel Trim [Bank 2]... as well, the "Check Engine" finally triggered.
4] Turned around, and ended up driving north about 20 miles before pulling into a gas station to reset the scanner...
5] No sooner did I pull in than P0300 [Random Misfire] appeared...
6] Erased the codes... Check Engine light went off.
7] Headed back up the road, and P0125 [Insufficient Coolant Temp for Closed Loop System] declared itself...
8] Got home, stewed for awhile, went to bed [3:30am].
Plenty of possibilities here... BUT, would anyone care to agree with the following;
After going over it most of the day, considering what parts to throw at it, the "light bulb" moment occurred...
While discussing it with a friend, it dawned on me that when I initially connected the scanner to the truck the voltage was reading at about 11.50 volts... later, it was showing 10.50 volts.
As well, the dash gauge certainly did not appear to reach the same voltage level indicated as our '99 SR [not scientific, but it struck me as odd].
I suspect a malfunctioning Alternator...
- which could definitely affect the voltage being applied/ required for a plethora of sensors on the truck, right?
- like the Mass Airflow Sensor.
- or, Cruise Control.
- or, input required for an O2 Sensor.
- maybe even a sensor for the Coolant Temp.
We're taking it in tomorrow for diagnostics I am unable to perform... but I would appreciate your input/ opinion on such.
Is it very possible a malfunctioning Alternator could cause a bunch of FALSE error codes?
Tell me I'm on the right path... tell me I'm wrong... lecture me... school me.
Thanks to all,
Wm.
p.s. [we felt like I showed up with a "trailer queen" @ MOD 2017... especially when the "AZ Crew" pulled in... those boys ain't playing! well, yeah they are... not afraid of putting scars on their rigs]