need help, flashing check engine light

[edd863]

I just started my 97 trans am today and it started up a little wierd, and then the check engine light started flashing for a bit then stayed steady. I read that it means a misfire occured, but it starts up fine now, should i just ignore the light or should i get it fixed?

[edd863]

oh yeh, after the misfire happened this wierd smell started coming out of the car.

[Kurtdg19]

I would first check your spark plugs (and wires) and make sure they are not worn. Also be sure that they are gapped properly.

[FormulaLT1]

I would get your PCm scanned to see if its setting any codes besides just missfiring and its always a good idea to get any issue like this fixed as soon as possible in 99% of the time it just gets worse.

[JackDaniels386]

was that weird smell like rotten eggs? the flashing check engine light sometimes means that one of your cylinders is being flooded with fuel, and the excess fuel screws up your cat. when a cat. starts to go bad, it starts smelling like rotten eggs.

[edd863]

yeah, it was rotten eggs. just brought it to my local mechanic. he said it just needs a regular tune up, so im bringing it in next week for new plugs, wires, etc.

[1991L98G92]

On 1996 and newer vehicles (OBD2) a flashing check engine light (service engine soon) mean that the computer sees a "catalyst damaging" problem. When the light stops flashing, the catalyst damaging problem has stopped. The light is on because there is an emission related code stored. After 2 consecutive drive cycles if the computer hasn't seen the problem again it will turn the light out. That would be an intermittent code. In my experience, the light stays on meaning there is a computer system problem that needs to be addressed.

Cal Smog Tech