Code P124A appeared after replacing intake and valve cover gaskets?

Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 137,000 MILES
After replacing intake and valve cover gaskets the car starts up rough and I get this code and a cylinder 3 misfire code. Not sure what I did wrong as it was a straight forward repair. Any tips on tracking this down?
Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 AT 2:03 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

First, check to make sure there isn't an engine vacuum leak. It would be odd for a leak to affect only one cylinder, but the intake gasket may be leaking for cylinder three. Follow the directions in this link and let me know what you find:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Next, if there are no leaks, confirm the coil pack and fuel injection wiring are properly connected and none of the pins in them were bent or damaged. Also, make sure the injector isn't leaking.

If that checks good, check to see if there is an ignition spark to cylinder three's spark plug.

Here is a link that explains how to check:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Start with these things and let me know what you find. Chances are it is a simple mistake. Also, let me know if that is the only code present.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 670 POSTS
Yes, it would be weird considering the intake gaskets are new. I have it apart again, and everything was connected as it should be, but is there a pin-out for the harness going to the injectors? Maybe I can probe it to check for a short, and go to the junkyard and get one. The code P124A says the circuit shorted to main control, whatever that means.
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 AT 8:47 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 670 POSTS
And yes, P124A and the cylinder 3 misfire codes are the only ones present.
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
I am questioning if the number 3 injector is the issue.

As far as the wiring, I attached the fuel injector circuit schematic below for your review.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, February 24th, 2023 AT 8:27 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 670 POSTS
Well, p124a says it's a positive circuit shorted to the control. Well, that's what happened. I pulled the harness and saw the two wires had broken insulation and were touching. Fixed it up with some electrical tape and we're good to go. How silly!
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Saturday, February 25th, 2023 AT 2:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to know you found the issue. Wiring can be a total nightmare. LOL

Regardless, take care, and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care of yourself,

Joe
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Saturday, February 25th, 2023 AT 10:24 PM

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