Car problem?

Question

Folks, my car is flashing the "check engine" light on the dashboard and has started rough idling. Does anybody know what the cause of this could be?

Answer 1

You can also go to your local AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts, and they will do a diagnostic check on your car. Most times mechanics will charge for this service, but these auto parts stores will do it for free. It really could be a number of things.

Answer 2

There is only one condition that will cause a "check engine" light to flash. While there are many reasons for the light to be on, the only condition that will cause it to flash is an active misfire. This is the most severe condition that can be recognized but your car's computer, as the unburned fuel can damage the catalytic converter. The rough run is because there is one or more cylinders not making power. While I understand that people are reluctant to spend money on repairs, in this case it is very important that you have a professional look in to it. DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR as it will cause further damage that will cost more to repair. It may be something as simple as a bad spark plug wire, but the damage caused by continuing to drive it could be much more expensive to repair than the actual cause of the light.

Answer 3

As the guy above me just said,the "check engine" light can blink from anything as simple as low brake fluid to a cracked cylinder head.
A professional mechanic can tell you exactly what's wrong but a rough idle would suggest a bad air-fuel mixture.Try to adjust the mix from the carb/injection pump.Might wanna check the spark plugs too.Make sure they're not covered in soot.Changing them would be nice.

Answer 4

I would say that yes you have a problem, it could be any one of several sensors on the engine that regulates fuel and air mixture, the cheapest thing to do is go to autozone, they will put a machine on your car that reads your cars computer and will give you a trouble code. They can tell you what part is defective, and sell you a 11.00 manual on your car (a great investment anyway) that shows how to change it and what it does. A lot cheaper that a shop. Good Luck.

Answer 5

check engine - is an idiot light - that can have 100 reasons to occur

need to take to qualified mechanice who can hook it up
and see what the numbers mean when the results come out

could be something simple - or complex

but a sensor somewhere has triggered the light

you know it is rough idling - so you did not need to see the light - now take it in for a reading

be$t of luck