Hey experts--

What does it mean when the Check Engine Light starts blinking when the car is idling??? (the ECU isn't jumped at the time, either). It'll go solid after awhile, but when the car is restarted, it blinks again. No pattern, just blinking.

When I DO jump it, it's throwing CEL codes 73 & 74. Haven't reset the ECU yet.

What I do know is: The car has been dyno-tuned w/ a V-AFC and cam gears (now only set to I +2.5, E 0 (formerly -4) and it's never been able to cope with it (P28, here I come). Rough idle, CEL's stalling...

I also fixed my leaky valve cover in a rush and forgot to reconnect the valve cover breather hose and ground wire. Only drove it 1/2 mile like this, but everything is back in place now.

Thoughts???

In the meantime, I'm driving my beater in the event that this is something catastrophic.

 

CEL 73 = cylinder no.3 misfire
CEL 74 = cylinder no.4 misfire

I didnt know whether you kne that or not so I thought I would tell you.

 

Oh jeez. Can't even begin to imagine why it's misfiring...

Thanks for the info, though--didn't know the codes.

 

Gamby,
I'd reset the ECU first, and wait for it to throw a code again, that way you know you're reading current codes.

If it's still throwing codes, look at the wiring of the V-AFC, to make sure it's functioning properly. I doubt the cam gear settings are the culprit. I was throwing codes(OBD-I) in the teg, and Dave W. kept suggesting the wiring on my Field, and I kept saying it wasn't the problem... I rewired the Field and haven't thrown a code since.

I know it's more complicated with OBD-II, but there's still only so many things that could be causing it, and since the V-AFC is an aftermarket part which interfaces the ECU, I'd start there.
HTH
-Chris


[Modified by vtec2nr, 2:33 PM 10/20/2002]

 

The CEL blinking while the engine is running indicates a catalyst damaging misfire is in progress. That's usually caused by a dead miss. Does it idle rough?

 

Gamby....calm down young grasshopper. A code 73 and 74 is nothing to worry about...do you know how many of these I've set off in my GSR? A bunch, and with only an Intake on there now. OBD2 will throw a misfire code if you fart in the car, so just reset the ECU and don't worry, k? It's nothing catastrophic. Jeez, you're like a new parent!!!

 

Misfires are not a common thing. The only time I have seen a misfire in a OBD2 car (newer fuel injected computer controlled vehicles) was from a guy who had a flooded ITR. It was misfire because of water in the fuel lines and ****.