Rough idle, check engine light flashing yellow

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12-07-09, 12:48 PM

lbwagner

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Rough idle, check engine light flashing yellow

My wife reports the engine running rough and the yellow check engine light flashing.

No previous problems ever with this 1996 400ls. Low mileage.

Any thoughts? Approaches?

Thanks.

Last edited by lbwagner; 12-07-09 at 12:56 PM.

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12-07-09, 12:53 PM

curepunx

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First things' first....

Pull the CEL (check engine light) codes to see what's going on, then take it from there.

Try autozone or kragen, they usually do the OBDII scans for free....

Goodluck!

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12-07-09, 02:53 PM

lbwagner

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Thanks.

I'll check the code tomorrow. So far, I found a disintegrating vacuum hose and replaced it. Runs way better.

Road test to follow.

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12-08-09, 07:45 AM

Thermactor

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You have a misfire. Probably caused by a bad spark plug or spark plug wire.

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12-09-09, 06:39 AM

lbwagner

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You are right! The digital reader said my #7 spark plug is misfiring.

I bought new plugs, wires, distributor cap, etc. and will tackle the job this weekend.

I pressure cleaned the engine last weekend and I think moisture may have fouled it.

Thanks!

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