Check engine light blinking

[frit0150]

I am the owner of a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am SE, V6 3.1L with about 156,000 miles on it. This past summer the check engine light came on. I took it to a dealer and they said the check engine light was a fuel injector ($600 to fix). We didn't have the money to fix it and the car was running fine, even though the check engine light remained on. It only seemed to act up when the air temperature outside was in the high 90's. Today, the air temp outside was near 15 degrees. My wife started the car up and lets it run for a bit, then the check engine light starts flashing so she turns the car off. The second time she tries to start it, it takes a while for it to start. Is this still the fuel injector issue? or do I have a new problem?

[MrPbody]

The flashing light usually indicates a "stored code" for the computer. You will need to have it "scanned" by a technician with the proper diagnostic equipment. He (or she) can tell you what the failure is, and they can also "clear" the codes.

Jim

[grfnkl]

I would take the guess and say yes since you have not replaced that injector that it more then likely is the culprit. I know on the newer Grand am's a flashing check engine light tends to mean a misfire in the engine which can be caused by a bad injector. However Like MrPbody said the best thing you could do is have it scanned and find out what's going on for sure.

[J-Ri]

A flashing check engine light means do not drive unless absolutely nescessary, engine damage is likely if you run the engine. Is the car running rough? I've only seen a check engine light flash for a multiple cylinder misfire, although I'm sure other things could cause it. If it is running rough, try unpluging spark plug wires one at a time until you unplug one and it doesn't make a difference in how the engine runs. That wire goes to the cylinder that's missing.

[xeroinfinity]

Just feel around the plug wires you'll know if ones bad!
Checking them in the dark you can see lightening run acrossed them if they are shot.

But I'd also say one or more of you injectors are probly goin bad or realy clogged. Run some injection cleaner and you might try some gas dryer since its that cold where you are.

[Arokh]

I don't remember, does this vehicle tell you which injector is failing via the stored code? You could get it scanned again, and if they can tell you which is the problem, changing a fuel injector really isn't that big of a job. Just take off some of the emissions junk, pop the plenum, and they're right there.