issue that has creeped up in the past 2 weeks. whenever I crank the car, more when its hot and stopped/restarted after a brief period, it will start fine, but the engine will chug for about 10 seconds. The best way I can put it is it runs almost like 2 plug wires have been put on wrong, or like its not getting enough gas/air.

I have went down the list. Changed Fuel Filter, Gave it full tune up, cleaned the IAC, the EGR, FITV, and spray cleaned out the throttle body. all of which has helped, but the issue remains.

Mind you it only chugs for that small amount of time, then it runs like nothing in the world is wrong, no misses while I am driving, no wanting to choke down at a stop, just that one time period.

 

ok I just checked my CEL. the Engine computer is throwing a code 12-EGR lift valve
and the TCU is giving code 15-kick down switch circuit shorted

 

How about a leaky injector?

Injector leaks fuel into intake manifold, so it's very rich (or flooded) if you re-start soon after stopping.

If you leave it turned off for hours, that fuel evaporates & everything is good.

Sound like the same problem??

 

sounds really close, yeah. any ideas on the 2 codes I got? I"m going to pull the EGR valve tomorrow and re-clean it to see if that cures that issue.

 

Checking the EGR would be good. You said you cleaned it - did you remove the valve to clean it? Did you clean the EGR passageways?

The starting issues don't sound like EGR to me, so maybe not related. If it IS a leaky injector, maybe put some injector cleaner in the fuel tank. If you're lucky, maybe avoid replacing an injector.

I'm no auto-trans guru, so no help on TCU-15. Is that switch located on the transmission? Look for wiring problems where that plugs into the wiring harness?

 

Oh yeah, i took the EGR valve totally off and spayed out the entire thing. The trans code confuses me as well because my transmission has zero problems shifting. Add to that there are 2 different things that code could be, nm speed sensor or the kickdown switch, neither of which are giving problems.

Unless anyone else has a more plausible suggestion, im going with a leaky injector, because there's not really anything else it could be. The description you gave jim was near spot on of my issue.

 

And sadly i have run 3 bottle of imjector/fuel system cleaner with momeffect. I imagine the rest of my fuel system is squeaky though lol.

 

ok. I am open to any other suggestions as to what my problem is. new EGR valve, total tune up, new fuel filter, new injectors, and I still have this chugging issue..It's about to drive me insane.

 

Try removing and checking EGR valve for leakage. It should be tight when closed (you can't blow thru). If it leaks engine will run lean and rough.

Also check all vacuum lines and PCV system for leaks.

TCU code 15 is NM Speed Sensor fault (short, open in sensor, wire, connector or TCU fault). Symptoms are hard shifts. If not present, try resetting TCU (pull BackUp fuse for 20 secs).

good luck

 

I just put a brand new EGR valve/gasket on there yesterday. the PCV valve to intake is all tight, no leaks there. I just did a Transmission fluid change and reset the computer and that code along with the EGR code are now gone. the chugging on startup when its hot is still going on though.