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bigstupidjerk

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
VCM muzzler is talked about a lot online but I don't see it installed on the van. Never seen an ECO light on the dash, not even once. Do I bother to add it?

The previous owner for the last 8 years had no idea what it was when asked. He talked up how "powerful" the engine has been with no oil consumption and great gas mileage.

I knew it had a CEL but didn't run the codes until it took possession. Seemed to run fine on a test drive with the owner riding shotgun.

I cleared the codes but P0443 keeps popping up, twice on the engine. - I used wd40 on the gas filler and cap but it popped the code again.

Forum posts say to check the vacuum on the purge valve to possibly replace it. I don't see a consensus that it is a guaranteed fix once the part is replaced.

Now P145C just appeared but I don't see an obvious fix besides hoping the purge valve replacement does the trick.

P1717, twice on A/T was another code that was on the vehicle when I read it after taking possession. This code cleared and hasn't returned.

Idle is at around 800 and dips a little every couple of minutes.

Thanks for reading and for any input you can provide. Hope to drive this Ody for many years to come!
 
You're not seeing the ECO light because of the CEL. VCM is disabled as long as a CEL is active. I'd get a disable device soon.

P0443 is a purge code so messing with the gas cap isn't going to change that. P145C is related. I'd probably look into the purge valve.

P1717 is a transmission range switch code, not a big deal if it's not coming back. If it fails you may run into issues starting the van, if that happens put it in neutral and it should start up.



 
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Also just wanted to point out - I don't know what state you're in, but you could also potentially just ignore the seemingly minor causes of the CEL if you don't need to do an emissions inspection. That would have the added effect of automatically disabling VCM.
 
As for the idle, start by checking the intake hose for cracks.
 
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Discussion starter · #5 ·
Also just wanted to point out - I don't know what state you're in, but you could also potentially just ignore the seemingly minor causes of the CEL if you don't need to do an emissions inspection. That would have the added effect of automatically disabling VCM.
That would explain why the prior owner put tape over the light and decided not to fix it. Thanks for the reply.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
You're not seeing the ECO light because of the CEL. VCM is disabled as long as a CEL is active. I'd get a disable device soon.

P0443 is a purge code so messing with the gas cap isn't going to change that. P145C is related. I'd probably look into the purge valve.

P1717 is a transmission range switch code, not a big deal if it's not coming back. If it fails you may run into issues starting the van, if that happens put it in neutral and it should start up.



Thanks for the resources and the detailed reply!
 
Your top priorities should be the timing belt and transmisison fluid drain and fill (perhaps 3X). Also, muzzle your VCM, as said already.
 
Also just wanted to point out - I don't know what state you're in, but you could also potentially just ignore the seemingly minor causes of the CEL if you don't need to do an emissions inspection. That would have the added effect of automatically disabling VCM.
Although ignoring it may result in a larger problem that comes up but you will not be able to tell since it is already on.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Update:
P0443, twice on engine - was on the CEL when I took possession
P145C just appeared after clearing it 1 time
P0497 just appeared after clearing a second time
Found the below instructions to remove and clean with carb cleaner

The result is that the CEL was cleared and hasn't returned after a 20 test drive.
ECO light comes on all the time now, even at low speeds.

Now on to buying and installing the VCM Muzzler. $20 on Amazon sound about right?

Idle seems stable now, dips only when in gear.

Checked ATF and it's still light red with no smell. I'll see about getting my hands on more service records to see when fluid was last changed. I'd guess over 25K miles ago from the few records I already have.

Have records of a recent alternator change, battery change, coolant flush. Was told that timing belt was replaced around 160K miles.
 
$20 on Amazon sound about right?
No. Lot of copycats out there. If you want the original VCMuzzler II, best way to get it is contact @verbatim here directly.

Other options are listed in the VCM megathread.
 
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Update:
P0443, twice on engine - was on the CEL when I took possession
P145C just appeared after clearing it 1 time
P0497 just appeared after clearing a second time
Found the below instructions to remove and clean with carb cleaner

The result is that the CEL was cleared and hasn't returned after a 20 test drive.
ECO light comes on all the time now, even at low speeds.

Now on to buying and installing the VCM Muzzler. $20 on Amazon sound about right?

Idle seems stable now, dips only when in gear.

Checked ATF and it's still light red with no smell. I'll see about getting my hands on more service records to see when fluid was last changed. I'd guess over 25K miles ago from the few records I already have.

Have records of a recent alternator change, battery change, coolant flush. Was told that timing belt was replaced around 160K miles.
Do not buy the muzzler From Amazon. There are only certain ones to consider buying as mentioned in the megathread
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Update II - CEL came on later after driving a little more but codes changed from before.

P145C just appeared, all alone as the only engine code now. P0443 and P0497 - These were also with P145C previously but those two codes cleared and have not come back yet.
Check fuel cap message just appeared now also.

P1717, returned after a few days as the only A/T code. it was previously cleared but took longer to come back than the engine codes.
D is flashing from time to time too.

ECO is coming on all the time now, even with the CEL on with the above codes.

Vehicle is not driving, running, or shifting much differently with all of these codes and messages coming and going.
 
ECO is coming on all the time now, even with the CEL on with the above codes.
That should not be happening...

The ECO light should never come on with a Check Engine Light on.
 
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