I recently had my check engine light come on in my 2005 Dodge Dakota. It has a 3.7 L V6 engine.
I used an OBDII reader on it and "PO300 -random misfire detected" was the code that came up.
What makes it somewhat more odd is my after market car alarm stopped working as soon as the CEL came on.
I first checked to see that my battery was still good. Go with the easiest one first. It seems it is fine, so it isn't due to lack of charge. What made me think it might be that is when I first start the truck, the engine runs low idle/rough for 20 45 seconds, then the idle becomes normal and I have no problems. While the idle is rough the CEL flashes and after it the issue goes away the light comes on solid.
I am looking at getting the plugs, coil packs and fuel filter replaced as it is likely due for such treatment.
Does anyone have any other theories as to what this may be, factoring in the check engine light behavior, the rough idle for the first 20 to 45 seconds then returning to normal and the car alarm ceasing to work when the problem arose?
I appreciate all input and ideas and advice!
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the light flashing means you could cause other related parts damage, and is due to mulitiplre eng misfires but if it goes away after 1 min, i would suspect other problems. does eng misfire after warm? if not remember the computer is picking up that misfire at cold start and may not be plugs and coils. i rec a diag to find the root of the problem instead of throwing parts at it
That is sound advice!
I am waiting to hear from my local trusted shop now. Thank you, Greg!
After 20 to 45 seconds the misfire seems to disappear, yes. It may still be happening on some level that I am unaware of, but I figure the engine light stays on because of the initial misfires to alert me to the code.
I could be mistaken of course as these new computer controlled engines are not my forte.
That is sound advice! I am waiting to hear from my local trusted shop now. Thank you, Greg! After 20 to 45 seconds the misfire seems to disappear, yes. It may still be happening on some level that I am unaware of, but I figure the engine light stays on because of the initial misfires to alert me to the code. I could be mistaken of course as these new computer controlled engines are not my forte.
ok thats good there could be fuel, timing,sensor or other issues causing this. i believe in the long run you will save time and $. good luck