service engine soon light

[hydra81]

I have a 97 Century and the service engine soon light keeps popping up. The thing that confuses me is that when I first start the car the light will be blinking and then it will go solid. Also, it didn't always turn on when the car was started or driven. It would happen once and then it would go off for days at a time. Today when stated it wasn't on, but 2 minutes later it was blinking and continued to blink while I was driving. I plan to take it in and have it checked, but want to know if it is safe to drive it for a while untill I can get it in.

[Peter Solarik]

I had the same problem. Eventually, I had to take it to the dealer. It cost me $ 370.00 Canadian to get it fixed. Apparently, there was faulty oxygen sensor (170.00 dollars) that controls the amount of gas that is delivered to the engine. If I were you, I get it fixed.
Let us know what caused your "Service Engine Soon' light to come up.
Peter

[Flatrater]

Usually the blinking light is a warning that you are going to damage your convertor. Do you have any driveability problems to go along with your light?

[RABarrett]

Actually, the blinking light indicates that the defect illuminating the light is present at that time. As long as the problem is present, the first time, it will blink. If, under the same conditions, in a different drive cycle,it is again present, it will illuminate solidly. As previously indicated, it could be a defective O2 sensor heater, which will require replacement. Though not unsafe, I would get it fixed as soon as possible. Ray

[Flatrater]

Originally Posted by RABarrett

Actually, the blinking light indicates that the defect illuminating the light is present at that time. As long as the problem is present, the first time, it will blink. If, under the same conditions, in a different drive cycle,it is again present, it will illuminate solidly. As previously indicated, it could be a defective O2 sensor heater, which will require replacement. Though not unsafe, I would get it fixed as soon as possible. Ray

Where did you get your information from?
That is totally wrong refer to the EPA on OBD2! Only one thing makes the SES flash! Read your owners manual its in there!!!!!!!

This is out of the owners manual!

This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways:

• Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be required.
• Light On Steady -- An emission control system malfunction has been detected on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be required.

This is a quote out of the service manual for your car!

In the case of a catalyst damaging misfire, the MIL will flash to alert the vehicle operator of the potential of catalyst damage.

[PNEUMATICTHUNDER]

this misfire is happening on my wifes 1996 & light is blinking...as we speak...I am going to change the plugs & wires......to start with...Please give me some other ideas in case this doesnt work,,,,,thanks