Fuel Filter/Pump Issue?

[Becca22]

About a month ago, my B9 started "chugging" when I started it. It also started hesitating and lacked power. Then the "check engine" light came on. I took it in to the dealer. They checked it out, couldn't find anything wrong with it. Told me to put a bottle of booster, run the tank to 1/2 full,then re-fill with premium gas.

I did that. After a few days, the "check engine" light came on again, and the same things were happening.

I took it in to the dealer again. Again they could find nothing wrong, and told me to go through a few more tanks of premium.

The car is still having issues. I'm afraid I might be damaging something inside by not having it repaired, but dealer says nothing is wrong. Just knocking.

Odd thing is, every time I get to about 1/4 tank, the "check engine" light goes out, and it doesn't chug or hesitate.

Any thoughts on what could be wrong here? Also, I have an extended warranty. Hopefully it would cover the issue, depending on what it is.

Thanks.

[subbus]

Have they done it?

http://www.ehow.com/video_4973406_test-fuel-pressure-car.html

[Becca22]

No they haven't. They just did the general diagnostics.

[Brien]

Do you know what error code they were getting with the Check Engine light?

[Becca22]

Yes, Code is P0303

[subbus]

Yes, Code is P0303
= Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

[subbus]

You can get a service manual and see how this issue is diagnosed. It can be many things; spark plug, spark plug coil, fuel injector, loose harness, loose ground, misaligned timing chain, intake system, compression ration, etc. It is probably not a fuel pump (if you get only one code (one cylinder misfired)). You or the dealer should be able to execute the troubleshoot steps from the service manual and pinpoint the issue.

Have you had any maintenance done on your Tribeca? How many miles you have on it?

[Becca22]

50k miles. Purchased it used December 2010. Was running great until recently.

[subbus]

If you are skilled, you could start by changing spark plugs. It would get new spark plugs plus the coils/connectors would be reseated. You could even try to just unplug the coil connectors and plug them back in without changing the spark plugs.

Again, it can be anything, and I would urge you to get a maintenance manual.

[subbus]

If it is a bad coil, you could move the one that is for the misfired cylinder to another one to see if the issues was moved too.

[subbus]

OK, you have a warranty so why don't you have the dealer to struggle with it? Keep a log with all the communication with the dealer in case you need it later.

[subbus]

I think at 60k, it is due for new spark plugs. I would go ahead and have it replaced now at 50k. You would take care of it and have another 60k ahead of you before it is due for a change. You never know, may be that will fix the issue.

[Becca22]

I will try the spark plugs. I had it in to the dealer for the same issues twice already, and they just smile and say keep putting premium fuel in. That's what I already do! The service department didn't seem to care about checking anything else out on the car.

I am trying the spark plugs this weekend, then if that doesn't work, taking it in to a different dealer.

Thanks for all of the advice!

[subbus]

I hear you. True troubleshooting is quite involved and they do not want to pay for it. Good luck and let us know what you have found out.

[Becca22]

Took the car into a different dealer this morning. They are performing the 60k maintenance and looking into the car's issues. Hopefully all will be well after today. Will keep you posted on what they find.

Thanks for all of your advice.

[subbus]

Any luck?

[Becca22]

The other dealer did the 60k mile work on the car. Spark plugs were really bad. They replaced them. So far car is doing fine! They said if I have any more trouble, bring it back and they'll check for coil by spark plug.

Hopefully all is well now.

Thanks for all of the advice!

[subbus]

I am glad I could help! Do they have any openings? I could diagnose car issues over phone or email. LOL!