PhillFlyers87

i was driving down the highway the other day in my 2000 f150 xlt 4x4 when it felt kind of weird to drive. i looked down and the service engine soon light was blinking. soon after that it went off i got where i needed to go but when i was on my way home it turned on again but this time it wasnt blinking it was just on steady. it is always on now and i read in the manual that the blinking light meant an engine misfire and it could damage my catelytic converter. i know the catelytic converter deals with emissions and is needed for inspection but what other problems could this light being on be telling me and what should i do about those problems? Thank you

claviz13

Flashing is a bad misfire. Get the code and go from there.

PhillFlyers87

what do you mean "get the code"

SinCityFX4

Autozone can read the code for you, but it will be genralized. Have them read the code from your obd port and then you will have a better idea of what is going on and go from there....

claviz13

The code is stored in the PCM when the check engine light comes on. Autozone will read it for free and tell you the code.

justice1736

iTrader: (1)

was it shuttering and wouldnt go any faster than bout 45. i had a 97 and an 02 that both did that. and when that happened it was a coil going out they read the code and told me which one was bad then i replaced it.

Mr B

I agree with the justice. Sounds just like my symptoms when one of my coils went bad. Autozone would be my next stop. They should pretty much set you straight and it's not a hard fix if it is indeed a bad coil.

Good old Bill

To put in simpliar words, the engine is controlled by a computor (Powertrain control module, PCM). When something goes goofy, a code is thrown and the CEL lite will blink or be on steady, not sure of the difference, WDE or Torkum where are you? Anyways, Autozone will test the computor through the OBD II diagnostic port. Been told its free, don't know. Get the codes and these guys will help you with the repairs. Me, I need a beer.

PhillFlyers87

alright looks like im going to autozone. thanks for all of the help and the posts

ted lafferty

i went to autozone had a diagnostic test run they said everything was fine no codes . went through inspection failed two codes and mil failed . go to a firestone or gateway where they have better diagnostic tools you waste your time at autozone.