Could the wrong engine oil cause codes P0012, P0022 and P0304?

Tiny
PMATIC84
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 MERCURY MILAN
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
P0012, p0022, p0304

The oil was changed in the vehicle with something not recommended.

Problems include:
Losing a qt every 3 weeks.
Misfire engine.
(Probably bad coil from possibly getting oil on it).
Loss of power (coil again).
Bad MPGs.
Fuel smell from exhaust.

Other than that, the car starts, drives though I haven't driven it much,

No blue smoke, no thick white smoke, no loud cats (3 on vehicle)

The mechanic said my engine was toast and didn't do anything but pull the 3 codes out of computer. Offered me $1,200.00 for the car which is in excellent condition other than the wrong viscosity oil and bad coil/spark and the 3 trouble codes.

Said timing chain was ruined but there is no sound to indicate bad timing chain and the car starts fine.

The car was driven approximately 2,000 miles in 4 years with the current condition it is in, and the engine hasn't failed and is quiet, but the previous owner kept the oil topped off with that crap too watery like oil.

I want to fix this car and I'm wondering if I even should bother. I don't want a money pit and I cannot afford a new engine or even a new car.
Monday, March 4th, 2024 AT 5:21 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,230 POSTS
Hi,

What weight was used in the vehicle? As far as the coil, that is an easy fix. The P0012 and P0022 are timing related issues. At 100,000 miles, there shouldn't be an issue with the timing chain. However, I suspect it may need replaced. Keep in mind, there are other things that can cause this to happen. For example, the vehicle has camshaft position sensors that can be causing it.

Additionally, the vehicle has what is called variable valve timing. This is controlled by oil pressure. There is a filter/screen that can be replaced if plugged. And yes, that can cause the codes. I attached a pic below showing the location of the filter.

Not being there, it is difficult for me to say, but historically, this engine isn't even broken in yet. In other words, I find it very hard to believe the engine needs replaced.

Let me know your thoughts and questions. Also, let me know what weight oil was used. The vehicle requires 5w20. (Pic 1 below)

Take care,

Joe

See pic below. The pics are the directions for replacing the filter.
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Monday, March 4th, 2024 AT 7:42 PM

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