Check engine light...Need help!!!!

04jeep · #1 10-23-2005, 10:41 PM

Hi! Yesterday I was driving home on the interstate in the rain when my gf's '02 focus LX started hesitating badly and almost stalling. Soon there after the CEL came on and started blinking, I checked for codes but "NONE" was displayed. Did anyone ever have the same problem? If it was something major would'nt it be throwing a code? Thanks in advance! (Btw, the car only has 34,000 mi.)

zx2srdotnet · #2 10-24-2005, 12:11 AM

zetec or SPi motor? i'd make sure all the basics, plugs are good, wires are on tight, put in a little injector cleaner.

did it go away or is it constant?

04jeep · #3 10-24-2005, 12:34 AM

It's the SPI. I left it sit over nite but it did the same sputtering @ idle to the point that it stalled. I checked the basic stuff & found nothing. I was going to reset the computer and see if that does anything. It just sucks that @ 34k this happened...im wondering if we should dump this car off on something more reliable.

zx2srdotnet · #4 10-24-2005, 01:13 AM

The spi has been used reliably for over 12yrs.

I really dont know a lot about how they function though. the fact it had a light and no code MIGHT be a bad computer.

bunyz06rabbitt · #5 10-24-2005, 03:16 AM

Sounds fuel related like faulty fuel pressure regulator. Maybe even emissions related like a bad or chafed vacuum hose line. Check 'um carefully. Do keep us posted when you find the solution! When's the last time the fuel filter was changed? No codes, might also point to fuel pump.

marciecloud · #6 10-25-2005, 08:00 PM

I am having a similar problem. My check engine light came on and now its vibrating when I idle like the car isn't getting gas or something. I have to push on the gas and breaks at the same time or it feels like its going to die. I took it into a garage and they flushed my fuel lines, then they gave me new sensors-- 300$ later its still happenening. Only now it wont die, it just idles really bad and shaky like the engine is reving up and then about to die over and over. HELP!!!!

bunyz06rabbitt · #7 10-26-2005, 04:03 AM

Hmm... sounds like you went to an indepedent garage that is not AAA approved. I don't think that a dealer would have done that to you. Do you think you have any recourse in this matter? Be careful anyway 'cuz they may just take you for another ride, claiming they fixed the problem correctly the first time, but now it's "something else". How well was the car maintained? Year, model, mileage? If the CEL comes on that's usually a sign of an emmisions related problem. Bad idle could be wires, plugs, clogged air filter, fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, vacuum leak(s), clogged fuel injector(s), bad idle air bypass valve, bad cold start valve, bad coil, EGR valve, faulty PCV operation. How does it run at speed, on the highway? Anyway, I think you get the idea. When you find the solution be sure to repost so we all can learn from your experience!

marciecloud · #8 10-26-2005, 05:42 PM

The car is running fine on the hyw, its only when I stop that causes the idle problems. I have decided to take it to the dealership. The car is a 2002, has bout 80,000miles. It's ran fine until now. I will def let you know what the outcome is.
thx

~manuel~ · #9 10-29-2005, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04jeep

Hi! Yesterday I was driving home on the interstate in the rain when my gf's '02 focus LX started hesitating badly and almost stalling. Soon there after the CEL came on and started blinking, I checked for codes but "NONE" was displayed. Did anyone ever have the same problem? If it was something major would'nt it be throwing a code? Thanks in advance! (Btw, the car only has 34,000 mi.)

a blinking CEL light indicates a type 2 misfire is occuring at the time of the blinking.sounds like its possibly fuel related. have replaced many a fuel pump for similar problems on numerous foci.

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