I was driving along when suddenly the "emissions" light started flashing, then the car started shuddering violently. It seems to ease as I accelerate, but increase as I slow. I checked the oil after it started and added a quart. I also added a cleanser to the gas tank to get rid of any water or sediment in the lines. After several drives it still shudders and the light keeps flashing. The manual says it's something that will damage the catalytic converters and might cause a fire. What should I do? Has anyone had this problem before? It's a 2000 ford taurus se with 171,000 miles.
2006-10-19 07:03:37 · 16 answers · asked by Gigi 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
I was driving along when suddenly the "emissions" light started flashing, then the car started shuddering violently. It seems to ease as I accelerate, but increase as I slow. I checked the oil after it started and added a quart. I also added a cleanser to the gas tank to get rid of any water or sediment in the lines. After several drives it still shudders and the light keeps flashing. The manual says it's something that will damage the catalytic converters and might cause a fire. What should I do? Has anyone had this problem before? It's a 2000 ford taurus se with 171,000 miles.
Because of an injury I could no longer drive my toyota manual. I had to get a car fast and this was the only one cheap enough. If the cc is the problem, is it worth it to fix it? Or should I just sell it and buy the car I wanted?
2006-10-20 05:49:55 · update #1
Because of an injury I could no longer drive my toyota manual. I had to get a car fast and this was the only one cheap enough. If the cc is the problem, is it worth it to fix it? Or should I just sell it and buy the car I wanted?
2006-10-20 05:50:26 · update #2
The light flashing means the vehicle is misfiring (It will normally come on and stay on, but under a severe misfire, it will flash) and if left misssing can destroy the cat convertor... It's meant as a warning to get it to a shop as fast as you can...
Bring it to a shop as they will figure out what it is, but most problems that cause it to flash has been ignition coils going out
2006-10-19 13:48:47 · answer #1 · answered by gearbox 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have never had your exhaust system replaced, you may have a plugged catalytic converter. These tend to heat up and blow off violently, usually taking most of the exhaust stystem with it.
You can have the code read by a mechanic with a code reader (the light coming on is generating a code for the mechanic) or you can buy a code reader yourself. If you plan on driving a high mileage car and working on it yourself then you should get a reader so you will know if you can ignore the problem or if it is serious.
Your problem could be serious, so get it checked by a mechanic. If you live in a state with inspection laws, the car will probably not pass the next inspection.
2006-10-19 07:16:53 · answer #2 · answered by jcsoup22 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to get rid of the car. I have a ford taurus and the only wrong with it is...that...its a ford taurus.
Mine shakes and it has been in and out of the Ford Dealership all the time and no one can find anything wrong with it. I can't even take it over 70 without shaking. Its a horrible car. Mine has 100,000 Miles on it and is a 1998 so you actually got alot further with it than it should be. The miles are extremely high and you should just get something else. Sell it out right on ebay, take the money and go buy a Toyota yaris..They Get 41 Miles to the gallon and Toyotas are built for life use. Fords will only get you approx. 6 to 10 years at best without fail.
Sorry I can't tell you what is specifically wrong with it..since mine likes to complain but is never understood what is wrong with it.
2006-10-19 07:08:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You may have a bad plug or plug wire, the check engine light will come on for many reasons, an engine miss will cause the light to come as well. Go to a good mechanical shop or dealer for a diag. and an estimate. Damage can occur to the catalytic conveters but I have yet to see that.
2006-10-19 15:25:03 · answer #4 · answered by Josh S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess with that many miles is that your catalytic converter is plugged up. I suppose it could be a valve or something, but I had the same thing happen once and it was the CC. Look under the car when you stop (carefully) and see if the convereter is red hot. If it is shut down immediately and have a tow truck take you to the mechanic.
2006-10-19 07:05:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
flashing light is interesting... they usually stay on. Could be oxygen sensor or maybe the DPFE both are emission related. You'll need to take it somewhere like autozone and have them plug a code tester into and see what trouble codes are generated. That can help tell you what the problem is.
2006-10-19 07:06:58 · answer #6 · answered by mrbadmood 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to get the coolant system pressure tested - it's a quick and inexpensive test and it will pinpoint any leaks. When the motor overheats but there's no coolant in the heater core, it's a sure sign that the coolant level is dangerously low.
2016-05-22 02:23:50 · answer #7 · answered by Jennifer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your car to a shop to have the computer scanned. Autozone will scan it for free. Diagnose the problem first, before you start replacing parts.
2006-10-19 11:48:09 · answer #8 · answered by ashedgrundy3 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its youre egr valve or youre mass air flow sensor . tap it with a screw driver its right after youre air filter . or just change the air filter and you will see the mass air flow sensor tap it a few times if it dont stop . its about 90 bucks for a new one and very easy to change . the egr valve is a little past the other sensor . good luck
2006-10-19 07:14:40 · answer #9 · answered by james w 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
its a ford. i used to have a ford contour and it did the same kinda things...except my engine light would flash. the engine eventually blew up. start lookin for a new car
2006-10-19 07:06:33 · answer #10 · answered by jenivive 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋