Flashing check engine light

[jimig1]

Well I got a new coil last week and the car ran great when to the auto parts store cleared the P0300 Code that showed up again before replacing the coil. So I was driving to work pull in to the ramp and look over and the check engine light is on again but the car is running fine. I'll be running to the auto parts store tonight to get the code scanned.

[exodus0784]

If it's no longer flashing (no longer misfiring), I'm guessing the O2 sensors or the catalytic converter are shot from the extra fuel getting pushed through the exhaust.

[jimig1]

Well ill find out what the code is and post it up tonight

[jimig1]

well I was just at the auto parts store and i got a P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) so it is the O2 or cat. I'm going to go to my uncles house and use his scanner it is much better then the auto parts store.

[paulsaveo]

well I was just at the auto parts store and i got a P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) so it is the O2 or cat. I'm going to go to my uncles house and use his scanner it is much better then the auto parts store.

bank 1 sensor 1 will be an air/fuel ratio sensor (upstream O2), bank 1 sensor 2 will be an O2 sensor (downstream O2) P0420 will be a feed coming the downstream(after cat), it throws the code when your converter is no longer performing. check out discountconverters.com i bought a direct bolton on cat for my 04 aveo for $300 shipped

[jimig1]

Is it a sure thing that it is the cat and not the O2? I'm going to get his scanner then I can monitor the O2 and see if it is the cat or the O2

[petrified.rabbit]

could be the o2, but if it was flashing the cel it seems there was a misfire from exhaust no being able to escape, if it is the cat then you might have a catastrophe if you dont fix it.

[jimig1]

I plan to fix it but i don't want to replace parts just because especially since they are not cheap

[petrified.rabbit]

well the -p0300 code could be back pressure as well, any loss of power?

you could try running a 1" drill bit through the honeycomb of the cat, not emissions friendly, but would prevent siezing the engine if as builds up too high.. you can use that time to access if the cat is clean or clogged. to replace it or not.

[jimig1]

I have not noticed a loss of power. With this car i think that I'd notice since there is not a lot to begin with