Specifications for tune up and engine oil needed?

Hi,

As far as a tune-up, vehicles with coil-over plugs don't require as much. If you look below, I attached a list of things listed under tune-up. Most of the things listed are for inspection.

The things I highlighted are what I would recommend being replaced.

As far as the motor oil is concerned, I'm not sure what you are looking for. The manufacturer recommends 10W30. See pic 2

With the number of miles on the engine, I wouldn't go thinner. You could go a bit heavier if you are located in a warm climate. However, I wouldn't go any more than 10W40. Also, that weight would be okay if the average temperatures are around 70 degrees and really don't get much colder than 40 degrees.

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Hi,

You are very welcome. Let me know if you have questions or if I can help in any way.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe

Hi Judie,

That type of issue can be the result of a few things. For example, if it happens when you are climbing a hill (under a load), it would likely be a fuel pressure issue.

If it happens regardless of the load on the engine, it could be a partially plugged catalytic converter, a transmission slipping, an engine vacuum leak issue, and the list goes on.

Can you think of anything that stands out when this happens? For example, are you climbing a hill, are there any strange sounds or odors, or does it only happen when it's at operating temperature?

Let me know. Also, if the check engine lamp stays on while the engine is running, have you had the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes? If so, do you have the codes?

Let me know as much as you can about what is happening.

Take care and hang in there. We'll figure it out together.

Joe

Hi,

No problem. I attached a pic below that identifies the cylinder numbers. There is an arrow in the pic. That points towards the front of the vehicle.

Next, your vehicle has a coil pack for each cylinder. It's called a coil over because to remove the spark plugs, the coil needs to be removed. See pic 2. When you do this, I suggest only doing one at a time to prevent mixing up any of the connectors. There is one bolt that holds the coil pack in place. I believe it is 10mm. Disconnect the electrical connector, remove the bolt, and gently twist back and forth while pulling upward.

Once the coil pack is removed, the spark plug is down inside the plug tower. You will need an extension on the spark plug socket to reach them.

Also, here is a link that explains in general how to tune an engine. You may find it helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

Let me know if this helps. Also, if you have questions, don't be worried about asking. I'll get you through it.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Hi,

I have a couple of questions. When it doesn't start normally, is that with the engine cold? Does it only stall when warm?

I ask because there are a few different things that can cause what you described. For example, if it only stalls when warm and takes some time to restart, it could be a failing crankshaft position sensor. There also could be a fuel pressure issue, a failing idle air control valve, the engine coolant temp sensor could be faulty, or even an engine vacuum leak. If you haven't checked for a leak, here is a link that explains how. Try this and let me know if anything is found:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Also, take a look at this link. It explains common symptoms of an engine vacuum leak. See if anything mirrors what you experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know as much as you can. Also, if this is the original engine, it could simply be wearing out and has low engine compression.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

The crank sensor is one thing that can cause the problem. There are others. Have you been able to check for vacuum leaks? When the engine stalls and won't restart, have you checked to see if there is an RPM signal?

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

If the crankshaft position sensor fails, you have three things you can do. These must be done when the engine won't start. First, check to see if there is spark at the plugs. A faulty sensor will prevent spark.

Here is a link that explains how this is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Also, you can use a live data scan tool to see if there is an RPM signal when cranking. It won't be present if the sensor has failed.

One other thing. If your vehicle has a tachometer, see if it moves a little when cranking. That will indicate if there is an RPM signal as well.

Do me a favor. Before doing anything, read through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you are experiencing. I suspect it is the sensor because it requires you to wait for it to restart. When these sensors begin to fail, they are adversely affected by heat. Once they cool a bit, they can start working again.

Take a look and let me know your thoughts:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Let me know.

Joe