Hey all..

I have a '92 Spirit with a 2.5L base 4cyl. I have been experiencing some issues with the engine speed surging at idle and when in gear driving.

I did the ignition off/on 3x and have come up with a list of error codes.

I am having a difficult time locating the meaning of them.

Here's what I am getting: 12, 21, 17 and 55

~any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

If it's the same as the 6 cyl codes my chilton says:

17 Engine coolant remains below normal operating temperatures during vehicle travel.

21 o2 sensor signal shorted

55 is the end code

I don't list 12 I want to say that's the start code.

 

Sounds about right there.. My car has (in the 3 months I've owned it) run cool.
The O2 sensor could explain the surge.. 55, I believe you are also correct in stating it's an end code.

Now.. What could be making this engine run cool??

The coolant level is fine, there are no leaks.. maybe a higher temp therm??

*edit* I do notice the engine temp gauge rising at idle after warm up or when doing alot of city driving.
It rises to the point of the cooling fan starting.

 

Gonna check the wires to the oxygen sensor and swap out the thermostat and rad cap and see where that gets me.

Im trying to wring all the life I can out of this vehicle.

 

They are very good vehicles, I just put a new cap on mine it wasn't building the proper pressure and was making all kinds of issues.

Your coolant temp sensor could potentially cause a CEL too.

 

Pick up a Chilton manual for the 4 cyl models. Mine is for 6 cyl so everything might not be the same.

 

I like the car very well.. It's ugly, but so far has served it's intended purpose of reliable A-B transportation. I have 117,000 on it now and the previous owner replaced a headgasket and timing belt. Now I am just finding the small stuff that needs attention. I am going to replace the cap first and see if that helps in any way.

I realized, after the fact that I had this information in my Haynes manual for this car.. DOH! Thanks alot for your responses..