Why is my car (possibly engine) rattling and CEL flashing when accerelate?

Tiny
REBHABER
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 130,000 MILES
My 02 Ford Taurus is rattling up front when we are at a braking idle or when we accelerate over 3 rpms. We have replaced the fuel filter-very dirty- so we added STP fuel injector cleaner as recommended by another mechanic. But it is still rattling. Now the CEL flashes as we accelerate once in a blue moon. Problem has only existed for a week now. Keep in mind, we have only had the vehicle for 3 months and unsure of the maintenance kept before we got it.
Saturday, June 9th, 2012 AT 8:24 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Start with a compression test. To see if the motor is any good.

The plugs wires and coil should also be checked.

There are issues with rocker arms wearing out and breaking. You need a shop to verify this.
Roy
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Saturday, June 9th, 2012 AT 8:33 PM
Tiny
REBHABER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Would bad brakes cause any of these problems? I know bad rotors can cause the engine mound to shake.
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Saturday, June 9th, 2012 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
No, it would not cause the cel light to flash
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Saturday, June 9th, 2012 AT 9:31 PM

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