P0170 1997 Montero - frustrated
My 1997 Mitsubishi Montero has been throwing a P0170 code for the past 2 years and after several trips my local mechanic and the dealership it's still not fixed. Some 2 years ago after several repairs I was able to get the Montero through emmission althought the P0170 code was present the Check Engine light had not come on yet and passed. What I can tell you based on all my code readings with my generic scanner tool is it alwas has Misfire, Fuel and Comp as "Ready"; none of the others show ready at any point from what I can tell which include Cat, EVAP, O2 and EGR. Note: at no point was my car running bad, maybe bad gas milage but not sure, it gets about 230 miles to a tank of gas and I do allot of city driving. 1st time at my mechanic he replaced some vaccuum lines, fuel filter, air filter and suggested it most likely was the Mass Air Flow Sensor but want to try these first, light came back in with in 100 miles after reset, took it back to him and not exactly sure what he did as he didn't charge me and said in about 50 miles the drive cycle should be ready and go to emmissions - it failed the first time as the sensors were not all ready 2nd figured I would get a second option so I took my Montero to a reputable garage and had them check it out, they suggested a Mass Air Flow sensor and or the PCM/ECM (computer) was probably at fault but not guarenteed; estimated repairs was well over $1000 bucks so I decided to replace the MAF sensor myself, reset P0170 code, after about 100 miles the Check Engine light came back on and yup P0170 is the code. Frustrated at this point, decided I'd replace the ECM/PCM but bought a used one from a salavge yard with the exact same serial numbers, pluged it in and of course the code was reset as I unhooked the battery. I drove my Montero around for about a week and maybe put 150 miles on it, I check it and the P0170 was present again but no check engine light. I took it up and had the emmission retested and it passed. about 40 miles later the Check engine light came back on. Since the car was running fine and I passed I just removed the bulb and left it alone. 2 years later I need emmissions done again but want to mention that I had allot of service work done on my Montero over the last two years to include full tune up, all fluids replaced, timing belt, water pump, valve seals, valve cover gaskets, etc. as I really like my SUV and wanted to keep it going for a long time. 3rd place, I replaced the bulb so that I could go through emmission again hoping to get though like I did before but decided I should take this to the dealer, both previous mechanics suggested this as well but I did since I got though emmissions. The Mitsubishi dealer replaced a emmisions valve solenoid, vacuum lines and advised that this could be the cause of my P0170 but believed the O2 sensors were bad. Well about 150 miles later my Check Engine light is back on and again P0170 code is back - argh so frustrated at this point. I decided to replace the O2 sensors both up and downstream, I used Denso replacement O2 senors as these were what were on my Montero and based on my research what the factory used. Well in about 30 miles bam, my Check Engine light is back on again with P0170. I have no idea what to do at this point and really concerned since my Check Engine light came back on so quickly, I've spent allot of money, time, and just plain frustrated at this point. I love my Montero and other than the stupid light it's perfect in every way. I have since bought a nicer OBD tester and can provide the full scan results if someone is kind enough to help me. Seems like in general these P0170 are a real pain in the butt - I couldn't agree more but if the pros can't even figure this out what am I suppose to do??? I would greatly appreciate anyones advise, feedback, suggestions. Today, I cleaned to the orginal MAF sensor and reinstalled it, cleaned air intake system, air filter, PCV value and replaced a tube t hat went to the valve cover to the air cleaner hose as it was pretty dry rotted. My system is resent, crossing fingers but thinking this is a long shot. I still can't figure out why all my sensors don't show ready except the general 3 misfire, fuel and comp but yet I did get it to pass two years ago. Sorry for the long story - HELP
do you have a scanner capable of live data?