Gen 2 Montero CEL with P0500 & P0301 Codes...

[JDinSC]

Hey Guys... Since this is my first post here's a little info on my. I'm a newbie to the Montero world. I've had a few Jeeps and have been around 4x4's all my life. I'm a fair shade tree mechanic with a tendency to take on a little more than I should...

Ok so here's my issue. I was driving home and the Monty started losing power. I had to press the accelerator more than usual to maintain speed on the highway. The problem seemed to get worse as I drove home. The CEL is on and the codes are P0500 and P0301. So I have done a fair amount of research, and I am in the process of changing my plugs and plug wires. FYI the Monty has 185k on it and the plugs look pitiful!!! I have a question as to whether or not this is going to solve my problem. The P0500 is what is bothering me. I can't wrap my head around what the VSS actually is on this vehicle. Is it a sensor in the tranny or the speedo, and could it cause my issue as well? To add to the interest of it all, the section of the wiring harness going to my alternator is a mess. I have exposed and fused wires everywhere. I'm surprised it would even run. I don't know if that would contribute to my problems but I will repair it as I go forward.

Thanks in advance.

JDinSC

 

[Justice R]

JD, curious as to how you pulled the code since OBD 2 was not in the Montero until 1996. You should go to Mitsubishilinks.com and download the FSM that will tell you where the VSS is I did not think the montero had a VSS in the trans untill 97 or so but I could be mistaken. Change the plugs and wires and see how it does.

 

[JDinSC]

Sorry Justice... I'm a Ra-tard. It's a 1996 LS.

 

[JDinSC]

OK Guys... Changed the plugs and wires with no improvement. It has a rough idle and no power, but it starts up fine. There is some type of noise coming from the left side of the engine. It sounds like a sucking sound sort of.... I cant find any issues with the vacuum lines in the engine bay. Also the CEL is now off and a scan shows no codes... Any ideas???

 

[Justice R]

Sounds like a possible Vacuum leak. Double Check all the vacuum lines going to your intake. Don't forget to check the EGR pipe they sometimes crack on the back side where you cant see it.

 

[JDinSC]

Ok Guys... Update Time.

Took it to a local mechanic & it has no/low compression on #5. I'm being told its a burnt valve. They will not repair it without rebuilding the entire engine due to age/mileage. The very loose cost estimate is between $4K-$6K. I love my Monty, but that just isn't possible or reasonable. They said I could just run it as is until the entire engine turns loose then repair it.

I may pulll the head myself, but I don't really have the time to tackle something that big. Any thoughts???

 

[Justice R]

The bottom ends last a long time on these. You could probably get another 75K out of it by pulling heads and doing a valve job, I would not dropo 4-6K into itnot cost efestive for what you could get a replacement for.

 

[grandpa]

You might be able to find a used head that is useable as is, or rebuild and replace your old one. Replacing the head shouldn't take long if you have the replacement ready.

 

[JDinSC]

Ok so I now have more solid numbers from the shop:

Option 1 - $3300 for a Top End Job (May increase in price depeding on what they find in the bottom end)
Option 2 - $4k for a JDM 3.0 with 60k miles on it.

I like the sound of the 60k miles but not the $4k. Ugh... Decisions Decisions.