p0303 and p1569 help plz.

[OntOs]

I could use a bit of advice from ya'll. A couple of months ago I bought a used 2k2 P5 with around 130k on it. LOVE IT!! After looking through the threads, I followed the suggested tune ups. Got the timing belt replaced, got new tires, oil changed, fluids changed, etc. But, before I could get to the spark plugs and wires my CEL came on with a Cylinder 3 misfire code. Again, I checked through the threads and found other owners with the same problem. %90 of you pointed out that the wires,plugs, coil packs needed to be changed. Well I got the plugs and wires changed with no result. CEL still on with addition of a VTCS error code (p1569). I take the car back to the shop and tell them the problem has not been fixed. I also explained to them my findings on and suggested that we might replace the coil packs. After waiting about 30 minutes mechanic comes back and tells me that the coils packs are fine, testing at %100, they're the original packs BTW. He continues to tell me that in order to fix the misfire I will need to replace the VCTS. It's fairly cheap. Wont even cost me more than $90. Here's the rub, After looking it over and reading about what the VCTS does I dont see how on earth it would have anything to do with a cylinder misfire. So My question is this; Should I go ahead and replace the Coil Packs even though I've been told that there's nothing wrong with them? The car is a high mileage but handles like a go-kart, I wish i could've gotten a manual but I just didnt have the $$$. I've got lots of plans for my little Zoom Zoom. But I need to get her healthy first. Any help would be greatly appreciated. FYI, My rear end Cat. Converter has also crapped out. More than likely due to the Misfire issue. I live in Kentucky and we dont have any emission laws so the Cat will get fixed last. hope to ear from yall soon. Thnx

 

[njaremka]

first, do yourself a favor, and go download the pdf shop manual -
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123744857-3rd-Gen-Workshop-Manual-(P5-MSP-MP3-also)

now.. P1569 usually means the VTCS solenoid has gone bad, or has a bad connection. checking or replacing it is probably only a 5 minute task. you should be able to find the procedure to check it and replace it in the shop manual.

If you want to change out your coil packs, again, only a 5-10 minute job at worst. pick up a couple of new ones, and swap those boys out. if you had the plugs and wires replaced already, you wont have to touch those.

 

[tweety2300]

Glad I don't have vtcs coil packs can test good but still be bad while in actual operation. Coil packs should fix the missfire vtcs solenoid will fix the other code. Try not to drive it though because it will mess up the precat if it has a miss

 

[OntOs]

Ok, thought id post up an update and see what y'all think. After reading the responces I've gotten and looking through the tune up sticky I found a good deal on some coil packs and got two. Even though the mechanic informed me that both of my coil packs tested out fine I still replaced the one conected to cylinders 1 and 3. I still am getting the misfire. Took it to garage again and had the VTCS solonoid replaced. Whichi was told would fix my misfire after I had my computer re-flashed. Went over to dealership to get said re-fladh and was told that said solonoid would do nothing for misfire and I needed a $98 diagnostic done. . .Listen, I love my car. I want nothing more to get her running smoothly so I can start adding cool stuff and making her unique. But, im at the point now where im not sure who to "trust". I've read almost every post on here dealing with the p030 code and %98 say its the coil packs with a couple others talking about an ERG valve. Input please.

 

[njaremka]

so, did you replace the coilpacks with new ones? or just have them ordered? did you replace the VTCS solenoid? or just go to the dealer and let them talk you out of it?

since the car has 130,000 miles on it, i would learn how to work on the car yourself. you will save a ton of money and heartache from going back and forth to a mechanic.

 

[bigpturgeon]

The coil packs may be working fine but have you tryed replacing just the wires that run off the coil packs?

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

Sounds like you just replaced on of the two coil packs. You said you have done plugs and wires, so that's not it. Replace the other coil pack before doing anything else.

 

[OntOs]

Ok, here is a list of things that I've done so far. Replaced Plugs & wires, replaced timing belt, replaced brake pads and two calipers, replaced VTCS solonoid (error code P1569), replaced ignition coil pack for cylinders 1 & 3 (error code p0303/Cylinder #3 misfire). Mechanic is telling me i need to re-flash computer after solonoid install in order to fix cylinder 3 misfire (?). Took it to Mazda dealer this morning to get it flashed and was told I needed a $98 diagnostic <---annoyed the piss out of me.

Mazdaspeeder: if the issue is with cylinder 3 how would replacing both coil packs help. I apologize but my mechanical knowledge is seriously lacking. Im kinda learning as I go. I work on Computers and Routers, no grease involved there

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

For some reason I was thinking it was general misfire...my bad. I would still replace the other pack, if for no reason than that fact that you may as well do them both at once. You don't need a "reflash"...disconnect your battery terminals, turn on your headlights to make sure all excess charge is out of the system, then reconnect. The light should go off, and if you have solved the problem, it won't come back on.

 

[njaremka]

Ok, here is a list of things that I've done so far. Replaced Plugs & wires, replaced timing belt, replaced brake pads and two calipers, replaced VTCS solonoid (error code P1569), replaced ignition coil pack for cylinders 1 & 3 (error code p0303/Cylinder #3 misfire). Mechanic is telling me i need to re-flash computer after solonoid install in order to fix cylinder 3 misfire (?). Took it to Mazda dealer this morning to get it flashed and was told I needed a $98 diagnostic <---annoyed the piss out of me.

Mazdaspeeder: if the issue is with cylinder 3 how would replacing both coil packs help. I apologize but my mechanical knowledge is seriously lacking. Im kinda learning as I go. I work on Computers and Routers, no grease involved there

the coil packs are for 1-4 and 2-3. not sure what you mean by "replaced ignition coil pack for cylinders 1 & 3"? maybe thats your problem, that the plug wires are on the wrong plugs? there should be a coil on top of plug 2, with a short wire to plug 3. and, the other coil is mounted on plug 4, with a long wire going to plug 1.

 

[OntOs]

Update #2
Went to dealership to get computer reflashed after VTCS solonoid replacement as called for. Also had EGR valve cleaned. Nothing has changed. Still getting the sputter when idle. CEL has come on again. Im going to install the other ignition coil and see what that does. It looks like im going to have to take it to the dealership and pay the $98 diagnostic fee. Im seriously @ my wits end. What should be a "simple" fix has turned into a money pit. Im starting to feel like I own a boat If a resolution can't be found without rebuilding the entire engine then im just going to sell the damn thing @ a huge loss. Which i really would prefer not to do. So here in a minute im going to switch out that other coil. *fingers crossed*

 

[jr42697]

try checking ur intake gasket just had that problem with my ..... replaced it and it all went away use some carb cleaner while the car is runing spray it around where the intake connect to the head and see it it stall out.....

 

[tweety2300]

You didn't need to reflash your ecu just reset it which you can do yourself. Did the other coil fix it? Btw if you've been driving the whole time with the missfire I can almost garuntee your precat will be bad

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

Take a deep breath...you'll get this solved. I know it seems frustrating, but there's nothing terrible wrong, it's just going to take some more investigating. You'll get it figured out!

 

[OntOs]

Tweety: unfortunately I have been driving it. I have no other choice. Working 3rd shift @ Amazon makes it really hard to catch a ride.

Mazdaspeeder: about the other coil. While installing the first coil I broke one of the securing bolts in half. Mechanic could extract it either. Soooo im kinda gun shy when it comes to wrenching on the car. Sad, I know. So I haven't installed the other coil. I agree its just going to take some deeper investigation which means a trip to the dealer. @ this point $$ is secondary. I want ma car fixed

 

[tweety2300]

Don't take it to the dealer they will tell you to replace plugs and wires and after they do that it will be the ecu after all the money you spend after that it won't be fixed. We've all made mistakes its just something that happens. The bolts on those don't have to be really tight try replacing it and hopefully it will fix your problem. There aren't but so many things that can cause a missfire. And don't worry about the precat right now it doesn't do much and if its bad its aa $10 dollar fix

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

Which coil did you replace? The one on the passenger side of the car, or the one on the driver's side? I really think that you have to get that coil replaced before you can go any further. Don't worry about the coil bolt either...not a big deal, and you won't snap them both on the other, so it will be fine regardless. Hang in there man, I know things like this seem never ending, but there's a great sense of accomplishment to solve a problem like this!

 

[seadoo1956]

My P1569 adventure

I took my 2001 Protege ES to my local mechanic a month ago to diagnose a CEL. He said it was reading the P1569 code, and after some checking, he ended up replacing the VTCS solenoid. He didn't simply "throw a part at it", but he checked voltages, pressures, and confirmed the VTCS solenoid was actually bad. Unfortunately, after a few days the CEL was back on and has remained on.
My mechanic said I should take to a dealer to possibly have the PCM reflashed. Just a theory, but he didn't know what else it could be.
Today, for $90, the local dealer said re-flashing the PCM was NOT the issue, but rather told me that it needed a new IMRC Solenoid and a new intake boot (which he said was split). Now I'm no mechanic, but isn't the IMRC Solenoid and the VTCS Solenoid the same part? Any suggestions on next steps?

 

[njaremka]

if by "IMRC" they actually meant "VICS", then not the same part as VTCS.