multiple random misfires?

2004 TOYOTA MATRIX
154,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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2002CRV
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Good night,

A few nights ago, I drove my matrix through a heavy rainstorm and the acceleration was sluggish. The check engine light came on so the following morning I scanned the codes, and I got codes that indicated random multiple misfires on cylinder 1-4 and o2 censor running lean. I did research and it appeared that the some matrix had an issue with the air intake manifold seal. So, I bought the seal from Toyota for the air intake manifold and throttle body and replaced both. I also replaced all 4 plugs. I reset the check engine light and started the car and now I am only getting the misfire codes for cylinder 1-4 + multiple random misfires. Could you let me know what else I should change to remedy these misfires? Appreciate you
Dec 19, 2024 at 7:43 PM
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The Matrix car, one of my fav's. What happens is you may have a vacuum leak between the throttle body and the MAF sensor, so I would check that first, if that looks okay I would get a new MAF sensor because they become weak and tell the PCM that less air is going into the engine than what actually is. This will make it run lean with less power and cause a random misfire. Here is a guide to go over as well and the location of the sensor so you can swap it out:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automotive-engine-misfire-code-p0300-causes-and-solutions

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Dec 21, 2024 at 10:19 AM
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2002CRV
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Good evening, Ken,

Thank you for a quick response and I appreciate your help. I've owned 5 Matrix's, and I think they are reliable. That being said, I sprayed the engine all over with card cleaner and found a leak around cylinder 2 so I replaced the air intake manifold and throttle body seals. I really sprayed all over for a second time and found no other leaks. By changing those seals, I got rid of p0420 -p0171 however I still have p0300 - p0301 - p0302 - p0303 - p0304. I will buy the mass air flow sensor and replace it tomorrow and I will let you know the end result. Also, I replaced all 4 spark plugs after I replaced the seals but that did not make any difference because the engine still had the miss fire. Do you think I should replace the coils?

Thank you,
Tony
Dec 21, 2024 at 3:53 PM
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I don't think so, you would not have all 4 coils go bad at the same time. I would replace the MAF and then clear the codes.

The engine is lean which is causing the codes here is a guide to go over as well which should help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/repair-lean-mixture-codes-p0171-or-p0174-on-some-manufacturers

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

Dec 23, 2024 at 12:50 PM
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2002CRV
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Good evening, Ken,

You're awesome. I replaced the MAF and all is well. The engine is running normally now. I appreciate your help.

Thank you,
Tony
Dec 24, 2024 at 3:11 PM
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YAY! I like it when we can fix them! Can you please leave us a rating? (copy entire link)

https://g.page/r/CZdEnyCkGgm6EB0/review

and

https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/2carpros.com

Thank you! Have a great 2025!
Dec 25, 2024 at 10:25 AM