AARRGGHH!!! Engine Light Flashing??

[Pilgar]

I was driving along and I noticed a smell, like a sulphur match igniting. Then the engine light started flashing and the car seems to idle roughly. I went straight home (2 miles) and turned the car off. When I started it after a few minutes the engine light started flashing again and it souonded rough. I looked under the hood and the plug wires seem fine and nothing jumps out at me.

What should I do first?? This is my only car and I need it working.

Cheers,
James

96 SE

[93 SSE 4 ME]

Possibly a catalytic convertor issue. I'd check there first. Bang on it, if it sounds like loose particles are moving around in there, that's a good place to start.

Mark

Mark

[2003 SSEi]

flashing engine light is a catalist damaging condition. Dont drive the car untill you know the code and get the problem resolved. IF you do drive the vehicle extended periods of time with the issue prepare to replace the catalist ata Cat Coverter

[Pilgar]

Possibly a catalytic convertor issue. I'd check there first. Bang on it, if it sounds like loose particles are moving around in there, that's a good place to start.

Mark

Mark

Mark, Will Cat problems cause the rough idle, almost like it it missfiring? I had just purchased gasoline at a new place, my tank was close to empty.

Regards,
James

[bonnevillain]

yes, it can. the cat could be plugged up causing the rough running, or it could be a result of the misfires (unburnt fuel going through the engine, and ruining the cat)

[RJolly87]

Doesnt the flashing light indicate a misfire? I agree with getting the codes scanned.

[93 SSE 4 ME]

A scan will give you the specific trouble code, which is invaluable in diagnosing the issue. Fuel issues can lead to the cat failing, as stated above. How many miles are on your '96? Has the catalytic convertor ever been replaced? Autozone (and many of the other autopart chain stores) will scan the codes for free if you don't have ready access to a reader/scanner.

Mark

[Pilgar]

There are about 137,000 miles on the car.

The puzzle is the strong sulphur or matchhead smell like the Cat was full of fuel of something.

I am looking for a store with a scanner.

James

[00Beast]

Once it cools, bang on the cat and see if it rattles. If it does, it's for sure dead. If not, it may or may not be.

[Pilgar]

Well, I went to Baxters Auto parts and borrowed their code reader. The code reader said 3 was misfiring. I took off and inspected both ends of the sparkplug wires, they looked fine. I replaced them and twisted them slightly to make sure I had a contact.

then when I started the car the check engine light was on and stayed on.. I drove the car home about 2 miles and it ran smoothly and seemed normal.

Do I need to reset the engine check light somehow??

Cheers,
James

[willwren]

Disconnect the battery for a few minutes. Or get the code reset at an auto parts store FOR FREE ONLY.

Be very open minded, though. A common cause for misfires on the L36 is the UIM/LIM gasket failures. Very common, almost assured, and it can cost you your entire motor.

Even if it isn't the cause, it's a $200 fix that is well spent.