Any ideas?

[jmcs23]

I have a 2005 Eddie Bauer Edition with about 125,000 miles on it.

Today while at a stop light the check engine light started flashing and it did feel like a rough idle. When the light turned green, I accelerated and by the time I was through the intersection the light turned off and the rough idle was not there at the next stop light.

I'm going to try to get the codes read tomorrow, hopefully something shows up to give me some kind of idea what the problem may be. But, in the mean time I'm impatient... Does anyone have an idea what the problem may be? Possible a bad coil pack(s)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Skauber]

A flashing check engine light means that the PCM has detected a "Class A misfire", you should not drive the truck before you find out what is causing this. A class A misfire can and will damage your very expensive catalytic converters.

 

[jmcs23]

Thanks for the reply. How do I know if there has already been damage to the catalytic converters? What would the symptoms be?

Also, since the light only came on and flashed for about 1-2 minutes and then turned off, does that mean this is just the beginning of the misfire problem?

Thanks again!

 

[jmcs23]

Update... Ran over to Walmart and picked up a cheap OBD reader. It came up with a P0301 code. So it looks like it's the #1 cylinder. Should I start by replacing the #1 cylinder spark plug? Any other suggestions?

Thanks again!

 

[Skauber]

A damaged catalytic converter might get clogged, or loose its ability to hold oxygen. If the latter, it will set a P0420 or P0430 code, depending on the bank. If it's cyl 1, then it's P0420 for bank 1.

Misfire on cyl 1, it can be many things. The easiest thing to check is the coil, swap the coil over from cyl 2 and see if it's still misfire on cyl 1. If the plugs are old, you might consider replacing all of the plugs. Changing plugs may or may not cure the problem, it really needs more diagnosing to find the root cause of the problem.

 

[46L281GT]

if it were mine i would try a spark plug first, they are so cheap that it is a good start. With that short amount of time it shouldn't cause damage to the converter. my next step would be what skauber suggested and swap coils and see if the light and issue follows the coil.

 

[Lostneye]

A damaged catalytic converter might get clogged, or loose its ability to hold oxygen. If the latter, it will set a P0420 or P0430 code, depending on the bank. If it's cyl 1, then it's P0420 for bank 1.

Misfire on cyl 1, it can be many things. The easiest thing to check is the coil, swap the coil over from cyl 2 and see if it's still misfire on cyl 1. If the plugs are old, you might consider replacing all of the plugs. Changing plugs may or may not cure the problem, it really needs more diagnosing to find the root cause of the problem.

This. While it may be a few things my first guess and the only one I have experienced myself(a few times on different vehicles through the years) is COP

 

[Bedrck47]

If you do replace plugs also replace the boots over the plugs. Because when you remove the coil and go to remove the plug the boots may tear apart. Also use some dielectric grease on the coil springs and on the coil connectors

 

[jmcs23]

Thanks for replies. Looks like I'm going to start by replacing the plugs and the rubber boots. Then see if the light comes on again after some driving.

Does anyone have some tips/advice on removing the spark plugs? I read that they can break off when trying to remove them.

Thanks again!

 

[Skauber]

While your at it, put a mark on the coil from cyl 1 and install it in a different cylinder. If you get the misfire again, you can find out if it's the coil or not.

For spark plug replacement, check this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHQxnG6Bd3o

If one or more breaks:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSY9iBheBXI

If the Lisle tool fails (rare, but not impossible):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoAxkIpHY3I

The Lisle tool that you need if a plug breaks:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTHyuT_mfI8

 

[Lostneye]

Like Skauber mentioned swap COPs from cyl 1 and another one and see if the misfire follows should be your first step