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My check engine light flashes?

Tiny
SAMAYOA98
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 84 MILES
When I turn my car on, the car begins to shake rapidly and the engine begins to make a rumbling sound. My engine light flashes. I checked the engine oil and that didn't seem to be the problem. I don't know too much about car mechanics but this problem concerns me. Any ideas what it is that creating the problem? And how much is the cost to fix it? Thank you.
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Wednesday, May 27th, 2015 AT 12:35 PM

20 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge first these guides will help us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Saturday, October 31st, 2020 AT 11:31 AM
Tiny
SHYANNE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 10,000 MILES
Ran through high water and know my check engine light is on and my car acts like it wants to shut off. Put new spark plugs in it thinking that may have been the problem. Still does it any suggestions?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:31 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Have the computer scanned for code/s-you have a problem within the engine management system that caused the CEL to turn on-This is your starting point of diagnosis,finding out what's going on.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:31 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NICKB275
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
If you come back with a P03xx code, misfires have been traced by the pcm, a good way is to use some household windex, spray the secondary ignition system, you may see arcing which will tell you where the spark is hitting ground and not your spark plugs. Spark plug wires grow in resistance as they get older, more than 10k ohms per foot is a sign to change them. Look for cracks at coil, fords had problems with coil packs cracking and misfiring under water/humidity conditions.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:31 AM (Merged)
Tiny
APRILLE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2001 MERCURY SABLE
I started getting dummy lights first for 'gas cap' then'check engine', then the occaisional 'coolant' a couple of weeks ago.I had the codes read and the evap showed. We replaced the gas cap, reset the codes. The coolant level was never low and the temp never went up, but the coolant light came on predictably after driving awhile( and the check engine light is always on now). Now the car is limping, like it has a cold. I read that that's what happens when you drive with that light on, even though it was running strong?I have already paid 100$ to replace the gas cap and have the codes read. Please help! I'm a single Mom with two boys in football and can't afford too much 'hit&miss mechanics' and we have games coming up!Advice?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:31 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
First thing is to check out this guide to help get the codes

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Then post the codes in here! Don't dive too far to do this because your car is in a limp mode now!
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:31 AM (Merged)
Tiny
APRILLE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It's me the frantic football Mom again. I will keep my appointment and have the codes read again in the morning. I hope driving the Sable in limp mode to the mechanic isn't going to kill it! By the way, will resetting the computer codes make her temporarily OK again? The mechanic said something about doing a smoke test and it might be up to $300 depending on how long it takes to find the leak. I wish we had an Autozone here!
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:31 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
The codes are real important here. And was it the a/c compressor? If so have it looked at, if the thing locks up, it will burn your serpentine bely off the car!
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:31 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JCUCCH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 109,500 MILES
I changed the air filter on Friday and later that day the engine light came on. The car is running fine.
Could it be because I touched something? I did notice a hose came loose that attaches to the air filter cabin. I plugged it back in but so far the light is still on. Where are the os2 sensors on the car?
Appreciate your help. Thanks.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:31 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
The O2 sensors are on the exhaust system. As far as the light, take the car to a nationally recognized parts store. Most will scan the computer for free, sot there is no money out of pocket for you. After they scan it, ask what codes came up and to reset the light to see if it comes back on.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:31 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DEBBIESABLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 87,000 MILES
When checked a PO401 code came up. Purchased & had the part installed & reset computer. after a few miles the check engin lite came back on. Checked code again & it was the same code. Reset & drove again & lite came on again. My car canno pass the emmissions testing center for new tags because the code will not go away. I am stumped & s is the mechanic.
Help, please. My car seemsto run goodd, just sing a little more gas than usual.
Debbie
debbie.Heughan@comcastnet


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/554511_Debbie2nd_fav_1.jpg

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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:32 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
P0401 OBD-II Trouble Code
Technical Description
Insufficient EGR Flow

What does that mean?
EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It is part of the vehicle emmissions system, and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control Oxides of Nitrogen. There are generally three parts to the EGR system: the EGR valve, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor EGR (DPFE). These things work together to deliver the correct amount of recirculation based on engine temperature, load, etc. The P0401 code means that OBD detected an insufficient amount of EGR.

Symptoms
You may notice drivability problems such as pinging (a.K.A. Pre-ignition knock) when the engine is under load or the vehicle is at higher speeds. There may also be other symptoms.

Causes
A code P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:

The DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced
There is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup
The EGR valve is faulty
The EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vaccuum
Possible Solutions
In fixing this code, it is quite common for people to just replace the EGR valve only to have the OBD code return. The EGR valve is not always the culprit.

Use a vacuum pump and pull the EGR valve open while monitoring engine RPM's & DPFE voltage. There should be a noticable difference in RPM's with the EGR open
Clean out the EGR valve and/or tubing to remove deposits
Check the voltage at the DPFE, compare to specified values (refer to a repair manual for your specific model)
Replace the DPFE sensor (with a good quality / OEM one)
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:32 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DEBBIESABLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your quick reply, I will ass ths info on & see if they can get it resolved, what you are saying makes sense. I will let you know if it works.
Blessngs
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:32 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DLMAY277
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My car is doing the exact same thing, 2000 Sable LS. Replaced the EGR and code still reads the same. I was finally able to reset the code, drive for 70 miles, get it tested and it passed emissions. When I drove away, literally 1 mile down the road the light came back on. It won't go off. I've had everything checked.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:32 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MAZIE123
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 MERCURY SABLE
Trying to get a answer my husband engine trouble lights indicated something wrong with engine. He put a fuel injector in but it starting sputtering. He put gasoline in it also. It quick sputteirng. Seems to be ok but the sign is still on trouble with engine

Maziekss@Yahoo. Com

should it be reset :o
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Depending on the code, the light may stay on for a while. Have him go to autozone to check the code numbers, write em down then turn the light out. If the problem still there the light will come back on. Repeat the autozone step and let us know!
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
J COLLINS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 MERCURY SABLE
Engine problem
2000 Mercury Sable V6 Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 30000 miles

Engine light came on. Code P0401. Checked for blockages and found none. Reset code and within 20 miles of driving it came back on. The driver of the car is 85 and though she drives it daily, never over 35 mph.
It is worrying her to death to see that engine light on. Any ideas?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Yep! Pull the egr off, clean the port under it all the way to the throttle plate, I use a length of steel coathanger. Put it all back together, reset the codes, if light comes on again, replace the EGR position sensor, thats the one the two small hoses from the exhaust plug into!
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SSNEEG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
I have gone through the Tune-up, and coil pack replacement, and 1 vacuum hose replacement, and my Check Engine Light comes on still. The engine will miss for a little, and the Light flickers, then goes on solid. I drive it a couple of days and it goes off for a few weeks, then does the same thing again.

Any Ideas?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BRAVESTAR1
  • MECHANIC
  • 234 POSTS
When they did the tune-up, did they replace the Spark Plug wires? Often this is overlooked, and led to my replacing dang near everything before it finally fixed a similar problem to yours.

Also if they used cheap non-platinum spark plugs incorrectly gapped (0.53 is correct) then you will have engine trouble codes. Checking the easiest plug to access, the one on the front far left (as you face the engine) is the easiest to see what you have. Non-platinum plugs will cause the engine to foul in the worst way, as I have recently found out.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:33 AM (Merged)

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