hey guys i got a 1996 4runner 4 cylinder the check engine light comes on from time to time but this morning it started flashing and running real rough google search says misfire where should i start checking ? i dont have a scan tool and hate to pay a tow on it. think it would be safe to drive to a shop ?
CHeck engine light flashing
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BlackCat914
New member
short drive, yes. If it's much more than that, you'll need to worry about fowling a cat depending on how bad it's misfiring.
PitbullRescuer
New member
Most auto parts stores will scan it for free for you. It'll help yo narrow down which cylinder is misfiring. From there you'll have to diagnose why. Off the top of my head, I'd check:
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Wires
Check Compression while the spark plugs are pulled
If those 3 all check out okay, it's most likely a bad injector.
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Wires
Check Compression while the spark plugs are pulled
If those 3 all check out okay, it's most likely a bad injector.
TheDurk
Elite Member
Good list, add:
If a single cyl misfire, or pair on a single coil (1-4, 2-5,3-6), then swap that coil with another. If misfire moves, bad coil.
If plugs are old, I'd start with new plugs, and look carefully at the ones you pull out. A wet or fouled one, or one different from the others, is always a clue.
Then go to injector.
Last edited:
autoexpert
New member
This light enlightens in situations when there is a problem in the engine.
Read more : Flashing Check Engine, Check Engine Codes, Trouble Codes, OBD2 Codes, Diagnostic Codes - CheckEngineCode.com
UTEP
New member
Hi,
Good code OBD II readers are expensive but if you have a smart phone you can get a number of free apps that will sync with this device via wifi:
BAFX Products (TM) - PIC18F2480 Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool - For check engine light and other diagnostics - Android compatible : Amazon.com : Automotive
Droid phone can use Bluetooth as well. I have this device with an app called OBD Fusion I paid $5 for.
Cool because while I tracking down a CEL I make an adjustment and reset the CEL I never knew if I had actually solved it. The OBD Fusion read pending codes, code before the light tripped. Took some of the guesswork out.
HTH
UTEP
Good code OBD II readers are expensive but if you have a smart phone you can get a number of free apps that will sync with this device via wifi:
BAFX Products (TM) - PIC18F2480 Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool - For check engine light and other diagnostics - Android compatible : Amazon.com : Automotive
Droid phone can use Bluetooth as well. I have this device with an app called OBD Fusion I paid $5 for.
Cool because while I tracking down a CEL I make an adjustment and reset the CEL I never knew if I had actually solved it. The OBD Fusion read pending codes, code before the light tripped. Took some of the guesswork out.
HTH
UTEP