Check Engine Light (code P0301)

[TSB]

The other day the check engine light illuminated on our 2016 Tiffin Allegro 36 LA with the Triton 6.8L V10. I have a ScanGauge mounted on the dash and it indicated code P0301, cylinder 1 intermittent/misfire. I could feel the engine running a bit rougher than normal so assumed it was a legitimate problem.

After removing the doghouse and locating the #1 cylinder, I observed that spark plug well to be filled with some dark orange liquid. Sure enough, it was coolant. I found a leaking radiator hose located above and near the cylinder. After a few cranks to tighten the hose clamp, sopping up the excess coolant, and clearing the CEL, I ran the engine to operating temperature. No leaks noted and no more CEL. Zero cost to fix, other than a few paper towels and some diagnostic/repair time.

On a related note, for the last few trips, I had needed to top off the coolant expansion tank. For our first couple years of ownership I had never needed to do that so it had caught my attention. However, I could never locate any leaks when I poked around under the rig. Now it all makes sense. The coolant was leaking onto the top of the engine and getting caught in all the nooks and crannies and/or evaporating, never making out the bottom for me to see. Two issues fixed with a few turns of the screwdriver!

[garykk]

Good catch, you saved yourself a day or so at a shop plus who knows how much $$.

[Flyer15015]

TSB,
Congrats on the find.
Now you can put that $500.00 shop fee in your pocket and enjoy some adult beverages.

Mike in Colorado

[TSB]

Looks like I need to update my earlier post. Thought I had resolved my CEL issue but it illuminated once again the other day. Not sure if I misread the earlier code or what, but the code this time was P0351, although it still pointed to an issue with the number 1 cylinder misfiring. I decided to focus on the ignition coil first. Auto Zone's website has a link to a multimeter test for ignition coils. One of those tests checks resistance between the positive lead and the plug lead. According to their test, resistance should be between 6,000 and 10,000 ohms. Mine tested at about 5,300. I purchased a replacement at Advance auto parts (cheaper than Auto Zone) for about $35 plus tax. Easy install, one hold-down bolt and a cannon plug, plus a little dielectric grease. So far, after few test starts/runs, no CEL. Time will tell....

[Flyer15015]

TSB,
Technical Service Bulletin?
Anyway, congrats on your diagnosing and fixing the issue.
Since all the coils are the same age, you might want to consider carrying a new spare in your parts box. You may not be close to a "store" next time.

Like they said in the movie "Passengers", we carry enough spares to rebuild the whole ship.

Mike in Colorado

[Galvanizd]

[QUOTE=TSB;6950049]The other day the check engine light illuminated on our 2016 Tiffin Allegro 36 LA with the Triton 6.8L V10. I have a ScanGauge mounted on the dash and it indicated code P0301, cylinder 1 intermittent/misfire. I could feel the engine running a bit rougher than normal so assumed it was a legitimate problem.




Where'd you buy your Scan gauge? Looks liken that might be my next purchase.

[TSB]

[QUOTE=Galvanizd;6960449]

Originally Posted by TSB

The other day the check engine light illuminated on our 2016 Tiffin Allegro 36 LA with the Triton 6.8L V10. I have a ScanGauge mounted on the dash and it indicated code P0301, cylinder 1 intermittent/misfire. I could feel the engine running a bit rougher than normal so assumed it was a legitimate problem.




Where'd you buy your Scan gauge? Looks liken that might be my next purchase.

I purchased mine at AutoZone. I bought it online. When it arrived, it was obvious that it had been on the shelf for some time. The packaging was yellowed and dusty. Upon further investigation, I found the software version to be out of date. I took it to the local brick and mortar store and exchanged it. The store clerk felt that I was wasting my time, believing that their store item would also contain out of date software. He was wrong. Been very happy with the ScanGauge. It has been especially useful during my CEL troubleshooting. Pulls up the code instantly and I can clear the code in seconds.

[TSB]

Originally Posted by Flyer15015

TSB,
Technical Service Bulletin?
Anyway, congrats on your diagnosing and fixing the issue.
Since all the coils are the same age, you might want to consider carrying a new spare in your parts box. You may not be close to a "store" next time.

Like they said in the movie "Passengers", we carry enough spares to rebuild the whole ship.

Mike in Colorado

Ha! No, TSB are my initials. Never realized what else it might mean!

[TSB]

Originally Posted by Flyer15015

TSB,
Technical Service Bulletin?
Anyway, congrats on your diagnosing and fixing the issue.
Since all the coils are the same age, you might want to consider carrying a new spare in your parts box. You may not be close to a "store" next time.

Like they said in the movie "Passengers", we carry enough spares to rebuild the whole ship.

Mike in Colorado

Yeah, I might add a spare coil to my toolbox. My RVing neighbor had offered his wisdom years ago when my wife and I first bought our Tiffin, suggesting I carry some spare parts. A couple items he recommended included a serpentine belt and a step motor, although his reasoning for the motor was that he was old and fat, so an inoperative step constituted an emergency for him. After 4 years of carrying that part, I finally needed it the other day, although the motor failed here at home.