Service Engine Soon Light-Need ideas

[LeahInIowa]

Hello,

Yesterday my service engine light started coming on and it hesitates just a moment before it comes on. Then after it is on the car kind of bucks a little and the light goes back off. I have had a new harmonic balancer, timing sensor, water pump, exhaust and muffler (from catalyic converter through tailpipe), new serpentine belt, and just had it tuned up. Im thinking this might be the problem. About a month ago my sister borrowed my car. The windshield washer fluid was empty so she thought she would do a good deed and fill it for me. Well she put some in alright but in the WRONG reservoir. She put it in the coolant overflow. She said it was only a little which I am sure because there was already anti freeze in it and it wasn't low. So, after I found out, I called my father and asked him what I should do, flush my radiator right away? He said no, it won't hurt anything. I think it can and is hurting my car now. I want to know if it does or can cause a bad problem like this. I travel over 30 miles each way to work and today I didn't use the freeway because I didn't want the car to stall going 70 mph. Im just trying to figure out the service engine soon light. Other than the problems that I already mentioned about the light and what happens, the car runs great. I cannot afford a big repair right now. I just put in over $800 which also included 4 tires. Help or ideas please? Thanks!runaround

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

If the light is on you can have it scanned for free at Autozone or Advance autoparts. This will give you a place to start. I think the issue may be a loose or bad sparkplug or plug wire causing a misfire. It could also be a bad coil. Once you get the code post it and someone will be able to help you out in solving your problem.

As for the washer fluid in the overflow bottle, if it is still primarily in the bottle just dispose of it properly an refill with antifreeze. It shouldn't hurt anything but it could dilute your antifreeze slightly.

[LeahInIowa]

I went to Autozone and got a code 34 which is the Mass Air Sensor; Low Voltage detected. So, to start with I replaced my air filter...that needed changing anyway it was obvious. Well the light still comes on after I replaced that so I am now looking for NOW WHAT. Going to search on this forum about it. If I don't get this fixed right away, what are the long or even short term effects for not getting it repaired right away? The guy at Advanced Auto Parts says it could be a costly repair.

[LeahInIowa]

OK, where the heck is this mas air flow sensor? My car is a 3.3 V6 Info I received says to turn on the engine and tap on it. If the engine stutters it is bad. Since the part is 200.00, what else should I eliminate before I spend that kind of money for a new part if it doesn't stutter? This car is driving me crazy.

[Blue Bowtie]

A 3.3L V-6? What year is this Century?

[LeahInIowa]

Im sorry. It is a 93. Anyway, the car is now fixed. Ran the code at AdvancedAutoparts, changed the air filter, checked the vacume lines, tapped on the maf sensor's black box while the car was running to see if the car sputtered and it did. So, my husband and I after finding out the part at the parts store was around 160.00 remanufactured, we went to a junkyard. Found a 91 Buick with a 3300 engine, pulled off that one and installed it on my car. Problem solved and it runs like it should. It was a great buy as the junkyard has a 30 day warranty. Just in case. I must say there is a lot of info on this site that helped me tremendously. I thank you for your inquiry to help.

Leah