My check engine light came on and my car sputters when I hit the gas can anyone help?

Question

The car is a 2001 Chevy Impala, with about 67000 miles on it. Never had an issue till now. I get regular oil changes and stuff like that.

Answer 1

The rough running AND the "Check Engine" light are clear indications that there is something amiss.
The only way to begin the diagnostics is to retrieve the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from the car's PCM.
This requires a code reader or a scanner.There is no other means provided to query the PCM.
The least expensive option is to ask the nice folks at the local discount parts store if they will retrieve them for you.
When this is done. DO NOT ASSuME that there is a component in the circuit that has failed. The light is an indication that DATA from that circuit is outside spec.
Do the proper diagnostics discussed in a reputable repair manual and verify the failure and data, then repair the FAILURE rather than the symptom.
If you are unfamiliar with the strategies used in electronic engine control, it will be best and less expensive to take the car to a reputable repair facility or the dealer for diagnosis and subsequent repair.

Good Luck and Merry Christmas

Answer 2

Trouble shoot with the service department of a dealership that would service this type of vehicle.

These days anything can set off the check engine light. The same thing happen to me and I drive a 99' Honda Civic. I always get regular oil changes and have the car serviced when applicable at the dealer, one day the check engine light came on and I was like, "what the.....????" I placed a call to the dealership and asked what could cause this and one of the things that he mentioned was a loose gas cap and some other stuff. Sure enough, I go to the gas station to get some gas because I was really, really low and did not want to embarrass myself when I pulled in to the dealership on E, I get out, pop the gas tank area, start to unscrew the gas cap and it sure enough was loose. Hence the check engine light going off.

If the dealer were to diagnose this problem, it would have cost me $85.00, so I had some other work done on the car, like changing the belts and got an oil change and they ate the cost of the check engine light diagnostic, as a courtesy.

Answer 3

You need to have the trouble codes scanned. That is what caused the lite to come on, it indicates a problem in your emission syatem. Most auto supplies will scan the codes and turn the lite off for free. Write down the codes and ask the person who scanned them what they mean. Post another question here and list the code numbers and maybe someone can give a diagnosis,.Don't forget to give the make and year of the car and don't let someone sell you a bunch of parts till the problem is known

Answer 4

Your "service engine soon" light came on so you need to take the vehicle to a Auto Zone or an Advanced Auto. Tell the people there that your "service engine soon" light came on. They will hook up a device to your car and get a code for the problem. Then they will tell you how to fix the problem. They will do this free of charge. Good luck

Answer 5

could desire to be water on the gas, undesirable gas, prefer a clean gas clear out, or your injectors want cleansing. finished your vehicle up with intense octane gas 91or ninety 3. without ethanol. And placed a element of has therapy in it

Answer 6

Could be many things. O2 sensor, cats,fuel pressure reg. take it to have it diagnosed. Some places will not charge you for the diagnostics if you let them do the work.

AutoZone will run a code check for you but its not the same as taking it to a dealer or mech.

Answer 7

The culprit may be the fuel pump, or one or more of the injectors.

Answer 8

could be the intake housing or air filter is dirty. Check and clean and replace the air filter,

Answer 9

have you changed the fuel filter during the time you've owned it?