Hello folks,

I just wonder where to begin (before I take my 1998 T5 to the dealer). I am getting 3 error codes: PO 116, PO 300 and PO 301. The scanner manual says 300 and 301 are random misfire and cylinder 1 misfire codes. 116 is less clear to me: it says “Engine coolant temp CKT range/perf”.
Some background info: The car had timing belt tensioner breakdown couple of months ago. The belt slipped off the mark, as a result. The engine ran after that, although CEL came on with cyl. 01 misfire code. My mechanic (and TECH) suggested the valve was bent. I installed plugs just in case, and the error code disappeared. However, the engine started running little rough lately. Not stuttering, but clearly not near as smooth as it used to be. In addition, I am getting transient smell of coolant when engine heats up (the smell goes away) and the windshield on the passenger side takes forever to dry, although the heater produces heat fine.
So I am wondering if there is a merit in replacing coil and regulate/tune up injectors, distributor, or this is waste of time since the valve in 1st cyl. Must be damaged any way?
Your inputs are greatly appreciated.

 

First thing I would do now is have a compression test done.
Then I would look at tune-up stuff if the compression is all good.
Also look at the thermostat and temp sensor.

 

Tech,

The guy who did the timing belt job told me that he checked compression and it was 226 pounds in each cylinder. He thinksthis number is OK.

 

Yes that is ok.
If that was the pressure then I would say the Valves are stil ok.
I would look at the ignition parts then.

 

Thanks Tech,

So I am going to replace wires and distributor. I to clean throtle body? Do you know a link to how to do it?

 

Sorry no link.
Do the tune up and clean the throttle body.
It is all pretty straight foward and easy.

 

Tech,

Several times the engine fan came on even when engine did not appear to be hot andwas running long after ignitioinwas off. At some point I started to worry that it would drain my battery and strated engine to charge the battery.Engine ranidlewith very high RPM (~2000) and then calmed down. It did this several times. Is this a sign of bad thermostat? related to error code PO 116 and poor gas mileage?

 

Could be a bad thermostat or coolant temp sensor.

 

Tech,

The air form heater comes out barely warm, alghouth the coolant temperature is nearly in the middle, and heat is set to max. (ambient T=28F) I think the heater core is dead. (I also had coolant smell in the car for long). Is the instruction for the heater core replacemet same as for evaporator that you posted? I guess I will needtodrain the coolant first, something not mentioned in evaporator replacement. This is 98 S70 T5. Thank you!

 

No need to drain the coolant you only loose a very little bit.
The Heater core is different to replace.

No need to remove dash to replace the heater core.

Remove the center console then the Black side panels by the dash.
There is I believe 4 screws holding the bottom white cover for the Heater core to the Box.

The remove the screw holding the pipes to the heater core.
The box should drop.

Sorry I have never had to do one in the car.
Always done them when I had the evaperator case out.