Tools Used:
- NGK G-Power Platinum Alloy Spark Plugs
- 2 Anti-Seize Lubricant packets
- 1 Dielectric Connector Grease packet
- DieHard Drive Bending Handle Flex Head Ratchet with Soft Grip
- Stanley 20 pc Socket set
- Spark plug magnetic socket
- Extension bar
- Gloves
It all started with high idling revs. I recall seeing on YouTube as any modern respectable self-taught wannabe mechanic does informs themselves. I saw someone say that cleaning your Mass Air flow Sensor sometimes does the trick on fixing it.
First thing I do is connect my BLCKTEC Diagnostic Tool (I bought it at $28.99 August 2023) and see what magical engine codes this produces. P0301 is what I get. Along with a brief description: "Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected DTC Severity 2 of 3: This fault may pose damage to components and should be repaired as soon as possible". Great! Cylinder 1 is where the first of four spark plugs is located.
I start by checking the MAF sensor and it was a little bit dirty but not much to really be causing any issues. I had previously purchased Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner ($12.49) to do this task but waited until today! The high idling revs is still doing its thing. I clear the engine codes on the diagnostic tool. Rerun and same response.
☝🏼 The not so dirty MAF sensor...
Next, replace the spark plugs (4 @ 6.49 each, $27.95). I also bought some Dielectric Grease ($1.99) and two little ketchup size packets of Anti Seize ($1.99 each, $3.98). Yes, I did indeed need to replace them either way. This did nothing to fix the high idling revs. When I went to buy the new spark plugs at O'Reilly's I was talking to the employee who was ringing me up for the spark plugs and he mentioned I should try switching the ignition coils that connects to the spark plugs. It was a great idea that I obviously didn't think about. So after replacing the spark plugs I once again clear the engine codes on the diagnostic tool and rerun it. Same response. But now I do what the O'Reilly employee advised, I change the ignition coil 2 to cylinder 1 and ignition coil 1 to cylinder 2. Clear engine codes on diagnostic tool and rerun it and guess what!? "No DTCs", no diagnostic tool codes detected!
That fixed that but not the high idling revs unfortunately. So what to do next? Messaged my older brothers and Freddy (he's an actually good self-taught mechanic) mentioned clean the throttle body. I head back to O'Reilly's and buy a throttle body & intake cleaner, $9.99 bucks. I'll be doing this tomorrow since the engine is pretty hot.
In total excluding the diagnostic tool since that was bought previously, I've spent so far: $56.40 + sales tax, $4.28 = $60.68.