Flashing CEL

[szentej]

A steady CEL indicates that there is a problem that precludes the safe and optimal operation of the vehicle. A flashing CEL indicates that there is a severe problem preventing the safe operation of the vehicle without major catostrophic consequences. Turn the car off, have it taken it to a repuatable service station to have the problem resolved. Owners manual should indicate which actions you should persue.
John

[ChrisZang]

did you have a chance to check the connection of the spark plug cables?

[dcompress]

Been working all day. Going home tonight to look at the plug. I will post the results.

szentej - I have read the same thing. However, a code of misfire on cylinder 5 doesn't seem to me like something catestrophic. It would also seem logical that it was something to do with the plug change. Would I want to look at that first, clear the error, and check again before I tow it to a service station?

[dcompress]

Update -

Here is what I found.....

I went to take off the coil on cylinder 5. The first thing I noticed was that when I pulled it out, the connector from the coil to the wire started to come off on one side. I disconnected it completely, and noticed that there is a tiny clip on each side of the plug that fastens in the connector. The clip on the side that was coming off was broken. I reassembled everything, made sure the connector was on, and started it up. (After clearing code). I got it all the way up to temp without a CEL or even a pending code. That is a relief!

But now my question is...Do I need to replace the whole coil because of the broken clip. My gut says yes, but thought I would check.

[frederic]

Hello.
I have a similar issue with oil inside the spark plug tubes.
I bougth 6 new tubes with O'ring from Sunset and read about
how to DIY these tubes. Is it true that you have to bring
the engine to normal running temperature to remove them?
What kind of special tool did you used to remove them?
Thanks

[dcompress]

All 6 of mine came out with just my finger. I was wearing a pair of mechanics gloves that had some traction on the finger. Just stick your middle finger inside and push in towards the wall of the tube to get a grip. Then just pull out. 2 slide right out (the ones leaking of course) and the other 4 did not take much effort. I did it when the engine was cold.

[Stunin_Stud]

Hey Dcompress I changed my plugs and that plastic clip broke too. although being as paranoid as I am I didnt just plug it in and think it was ok. I found a round metal clamp thingy (dont know what its called) but these are used to fasten hoses I guess. I put it around the clamp and tightened the screw and yanked on the wire to make sure it was safely fastened. that was also my cylinder 5. its been working and no light. try fastening it with something that wont come off. I changed my plugs at 1am thats why mine broke.

good luck

[dcompress]

Funny it was the same cylinder. I think mine happened when I was twisting the coil around to get it back in the hole and around that hose coming down. It isn't going back out on the road until spring, so I will probably either buy a new coil, or do something like you did before spring.

On a side note, I went to Pelican parts to price a coil. It's like $50. Not terrible. Then I was looking at the wires (impulse senders) that come down to plug into the coils. Unless I am reading it wrong there are $150 EACH! I thought it was for a set of 6.