So I changed my spark plug wires and it fixed my main problem (car jerking, losing power... when accelerating)... now I seem to be getting a new problem.

After driving for about 10-20 minutes, my check engine light comes on. When I turn off the car and start it again, it's off but turns on again after 10-20 minutes (or sooner, depending on the engine temp. I think).

Driving seems to be fine but when I'm idling, the idle sometimes falls for a second to reaallly low rpms (about 100, if not dead). Yesterday it died once when it was idling.

Any ideas on what the problem might be would great. It's real annoying having to worry about your car dieing at every stop. Thanks.

 

If you check your code, 9 times out of 10, that'll tell you what the problem is.

 

Tried that but couldn't get it to work. Was reading off c-speedracings website how to do it... but it still wouldn't work. I was using a paper clip.

I looked under the passanger side dash (under the glove box)... and I found a blue rectangle plastic piece with 2 wires going in it, and 2 little slots under the 2 wires (to stick the paper clip or whatever in, I'm guessing). The blue piece was covered by a green rubber thing. It was the only thing I could find under there.

I stuck the paper clip in both slots, turned the key to the on position and nothing happened. Tried it several times (thinking maybe the paper clip wasn't hitting the spot it's suppose to be at) but still nothing. *shrug*

Any tips? Thanks.

 

Well I figured out checking the CEL code part but the problem is, it doesn't flash. I put the paper clip into the little piece with 2 ends, turn the key to the on position and the CEL light stays on. I let it sit there for a minute but nothing.

Could it be because the CEL light doesn't come on till after about 10 minutes of driving? When I turn the car off and turn it back on, the light is gone for another 10 minutes. *shrug*

 

Make a set of jumper wires with aligater clips on each end and throw away the paper clip
Also if a code is stored the check engine light doesn't have to be on to retrieve a code. And if the MIL lamp comes on at any time a code should be stored

 

Hm.. well, does a paper clip still do the job? I guess I could make one of those for the future.

I stuck the paper clip in the little blue piece and the CEL light just stays on. If I don't have the clip in there, it only turns on for a second when I switch to the on position then turns off (duh lol).

My ECU must not like me. =/

 

Yeah - a paperclip does do the job. Make sure you are getting good contact though.

Save the headache, make the jumper :D

 

The next time your CEL comes on, try checking the code without turning the engine off.

 

Can you do that? Just plug the paper clip in and it should start blinking?

Figured you would have to turn the car off first. Will give it a shot though.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Eluzion &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Can you do that? Just plug the paper clip in and it should start blinking?

Figured you would have to turn the car off first. Will give it a shot though.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yes. Every once in a while I get one that is the only way to read them. Seems like turning the key off erases the memory.

 

Awesome, thanks a ton.