Misfire and hesitation especially at low rpm, ignition coils?

gillbates · Post by **gillbates** » Mon Mar 12, 2018 1:23 am

My delica is misfiring badly and hesitates at low rpm, even died a couple times while stopped in drive. I can smell that it's running rich as well. I'm thinking it's probably the ignition coils. Would like to hear somebody else's opinion on this as well.

Are these the right ones for a 2002 Delica v6?

gillbates · Post by **gillbates** » Mon Mar 12, 2018 9:57 am

Looking at it again, looks more like this one

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/dodg ... +coil,7060

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Mon Mar 12, 2018 2:17 pm

Before buying any parts, I would clean the throttle body and Idle Air Control. It's a common issue with the V6 and causes all sorts of weird misfires and stalling.

Remove the air intake pipe and IAC motor. Use throttle body cleaner, but *don't* spray it into the throttle body or IAC hole, spray it onto a rag and use that to wipe the throttle, IAC hole, and IAC motor clean. The air flow sensor (MAF) is most likely a karman vortex type and does not need cleaning, and cleaning solvents may damage the pressure transducer.

I'd also clean the plug wires and check them for any signs of abrasion. You'd be surprised how much spark can leak out of good wires just because they're dirty or rubbing on something metal.

gillbates · Post by **gillbates** » Mon Mar 19, 2018 4:31 pm

Growlerbearnz wrote:Before buying any parts, I would clean the throttle body and Idle Air Control. It's a common issue with the V6 and causes all sorts of weird misfires and stalling.

Remove the air intake pipe and IAC motor. Use throttle body cleaner, but *don't* spray it into the throttle body or IAC hole, spray it onto a rag and use that to wipe the throttle, IAC hole, and IAC motor clean. The air flow sensor (MAF) is most likely a karman vortex type and does not need cleaning, and cleaning solvents may damage the pressure transducer.

I'd also clean the plug wires and check them for any signs of abrasion. You'd be surprised how much spark can leak out of good wires just because they're dirty or rubbing on something metal.

Thanks, just cleaned the throttle body, unfortunately still misfiring. Seems more like a spark issue than idle issue..

Post by **thelazygreenfox** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 8:07 am

Pull a plug first and look at it. I know how difficult it is to get all the plugs out but pull the easy ones first.

Removing the air box for plug removal is straight forward but time consuming. Also a (cheap) set of tools is needed. You'll need them if you plan to keep your L400.

How many kilometers on your L400?

Remember to do the simple things first before you start spending money. (KISS)

Post by **thelazygreenfox** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 8:23 am

Gill
Before you buy from Rockauto check out the correct part number from Amayama or Megazip. Rockauto is a PITA to deal with, often it's better to spend more and buy from CCA or Rising Sun. They all have their quirks but thus the joy of owning a delica.

If you haven't cleaned the throttle body perfectly it may still misfire. I've had to clean mine a few times before it was right. Most V6s (all makes) have dirty throttle body probs at one time or other.

Where did you buy the L400? Whats the mileage?

gillbates · Post by **gillbates** » Thu Mar 22, 2018 12:15 am

Hi lazygreenfox,

Turned out Lordco has the coils, so I just bought one to try out... No returns, but worst case, I'm out 60 bucks or so and I get a spare.

If I'm not mistaken, 1996 Dodge Stealth 3.0 V6 DOHC has the same coils, looks the same in any case..

It's got 29,000 kms, got Brave Auto to bid on it for me at the Japanese auctions.

Let's just say the plugs are beyond my DIY comfort level for now lol.. Case in point, after cleaning the IAC and throttle body, I now have a misfire AND slightly erratic idle lol... In any case, for various reasons time is of the essence, and if the new coil doesn't solve the problem I'll have to tow the van to CVI to have a look

Here's a couple videos so y'all have an idea what it looks like

before cleaning

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dEmzhYGDvT6P03DB2

after cleaning

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XZGQEgOw6B6M4g5v1

cleaned those two holes with disposable shop towels

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Thu Mar 22, 2018 2:18 pm

it sounds like you're on the right track. An observation that's probably not related to your current misfire issue: 30,000km is super low for a 15 year old vehicle, only 2000km a year! I'm hoping it had a full service when it was imported, but if not I would be changing all the fluids. Engine oil, transmission fluid, transfer case and differential oils, brake fluid (definitely brake fluid!) and coolant. Low mileage is good for the metal bits, but not so good for rubber seals and fluids.

Anyway, let us know how you go.

Post by **thelazygreenfox** » Thu Mar 22, 2018 6:18 pm

I'd expect the engine compartment to look like that w 30K Kms. How was it rated at the auctions?

Is it really that clean throughout the entire van? Does it have a new van smell? Mine was at 32k kms.

I'm not asking to criticise but to complement you on an awesome purchase. You should be very happy with your van.... but...... expect a few problems. If you're rich I'd take it to CCA on Van island and give them a free hand. You'll never look back. Otherwise buy some tools there's lots to do. Do you have a garage?

I have more ideas about your idle problem. Looks like you're in the lower mainland so if you want to talk PM me and we can exchange ph numbers. I'm retired and have lots of time till fishing season starts in a month.

gillbates · Post by **gillbates** » Fri Mar 23, 2018 12:16 am

Growlerbearnz wrote:it sounds like you're on the right track. An observation that's probably not related to your current misfire issue: 30,000km is super low for a 15 year old vehicle, only 2000km a year! I'm hoping it had a full service when it was imported, but if not I would be changing all the fluids. Engine oil, transmission fluid, transfer case and differential oils, brake fluid (definitely brake fluid!) and coolant. Low mileage is good for the metal bits, but not so good for rubber seals and fluids.

Anyway, let us know how you go.

Thanks growlerbearnz! Yes, a full service is definitely in the cards, will be doing that after I get it driveable.

gillbates · Post by **gillbates** » Mon Mar 26, 2018 12:22 am

thelazygreenfox wrote:I'd expect the engine compartment to look like that w 30K Kms. How was it rated at the auctions?

Is it really that clean throughout the entire van? Does it have a new van smell? Mine was at 32k kms.

I'm not asking to criticise but to complement you on an awesome purchase. You should be very happy with your van.... but...... expect a few problems. If you're rich I'd take it to CCA on Van island and give them a free hand. You'll never look back. Otherwise buy some tools there's lots to do. Do you have a garage?

I have more ideas about your idle problem. Looks like you're in the lower mainland so if you want to talk PM me and we can exchange ph numbers. I'm retired and have lots of time till fishing season starts in a month.

Thanks lazygreenfox. I wouldn't say there was a new van smell, but the interior was pristine, as you'd expect.

Unfortunately I don't have a garage, it's always cold when I DIY.

It's very kind of you to offer, I will send you a PM

nhp · Post by **nhp** » Fri Nov 04, 2022 5:58 pm

Did you end up getting this issue resolved? I'm having similar issues, cleaned the throttle body and IAC but recently have gotten a Ignition coil (cylinders #1 & #4) fault. Curious to hear what the problem was in the end.

Kcm115 · Post by **Kcm115** » Thu Feb 23, 2023 1:04 pm

Looking for an update as well, going through a very similar situation ATM

Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club