Dealer says ScanGauge ruined my PCM and I can't use ScanGauge anymore

[philmcneal]

I've had my car into my local dealer 5 times now for a check engine light code (PO171: air-fuel ration, feedback is stable after warm up, but rich on start up), which is a lean running condition.They checked the mass air flow sensor, engine coolant temp sensor, changed the front O2 sensor, checked the pcv, says the fuel pressure is ok, and have replaced all 4 injectors.

as soon as they changed the o2 sensor and the injectors before even testing it i knew they were monkeys and not true techs.

please update the story as it progress, interested to know the root of the problem.

[Formula413]

Yeah, throwing parts at the car is not the mark of a skilled technician, especially when the problem could be much smaller and simpler. Injectors? Are you serious? Sometimes it seems like OBDII has taken away peoples ability to think.

[i_am_socket]

How many people do you know that can't do math without a calculator? I know plenty. It's another tool that has become a crutch.

[klrv6]

I always love it when I hear the O2 sensor was replaced and the problem is still there. You think...the sensor was doing it's job by reading the crazy high or low exhaust mixture. Don't shoot the messenger.

[Markmysite]

Well, the dealer has finally figured out what the CEL was coming on from and it is fixed.... yippie. Any guesses on what it was?????


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I'll give you a hint. It was a vacuum leak (big surprise I know). The question now is, where was the leak at?

[Tony Raine]

i don't have anything to add really, but i did want to say that your experience with the scangauge company owner puts me a LOT closer to buying one. standing behind your customers is a big plus for me

[wagonman76]

Hmm, something big and obvious like the brake booster hose? Wouldnt surprise me with these clowns at the dealer.

[Markmysite]

Originally Posted by wagonman76

Hmm, something big and obvious like the brake booster hose? Wouldnt surprise me with these clowns at the dealer.

And wagonman wins the prize... sort of

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So, the cause was a vacuum leak .... in the hydro-booster itself (same thing as a power brake booster, but hydraulic instead of vacuum) of all things. It wasn't the hose as they had checked that ... it was the unit itself. After spraying the entire engine to try and find the leak, they finally heard it near the brake booster.

So, in this whole process my car got:

- A new ScanGauge unit (and solid proof they are a great company)
- 4 brand new fuel injectors
- New O2 sensors
- New PCM
- A free cleaning of my mass air flow sensor
- And a clean engine since it was fully sprayed with carb cleaner.... lol

[philmcneal]

hahaha very nice! but the tech that went through all that... probably costed the company a lot of money unless they put it all to warranty claim... then that's a different story!

good to hear, mental note taken since i work in a dealership.

[Formula413]

Originally Posted by Markmysite

Well, the dealer has finally figured out what the CEL was coming on from and it is fixed.... yippie. Any guesses on what it was????? I'll give you a hint. It was a vacuum leak (big surprise I know). The question now is, where was the leak at?

I was going to guess the fuel pressure regulator, since my Escort had one there. But all's well that ends well. Honestly I probably would never have thought to check the booster itself.

Originally Posted by klrv6

I always love it when I hear the O2 sensor was replaced and the problem is still there. You think...the sensor was doing it's job by reading the crazy high or low exhaust mixture. Don't shoot the messenger.

Could not have said it better myself.