Flashing CEL

[dcompress]

Houston, I have a problem. Just finished replacing plugs, plug tubes, and bleeding brakes. Got all finished and started it up. It has been sitting for a couple of weeks, but it started right up and sounded fine. I decided to let it run for a bit a warm up. After about 10 minutes, before it was up to temp, the CEL started to flash. Not good. I know I need to get something to pull the code off of it to see what is going on. But in the mean time I am just wondering what is going on. I am assuming it is related to the plug change, but it is strange. I would think it would run rough if there was something wrong. I was sure to torque the plugs down to proper spec. I changed out the tubes because there were signs of leaking from a couple of them.

I hear that a flashing CEL is the worst, so I am just wondering what related to a plug change could cause it.

Any ideas on what may have caused it?

[dcompress]

Update - After a quick run to the store for a code scanner, I found a P0305. Misfire in cylinder 5. Guess I will need to pull that plug back out and see what is going on.

So....which one is 5??

[CJ_Boxster]

Im not sure which is five but its likely that the reason you're getting a misfire is that #5 cyclindar coil pack plug isnt installed correctly.. check the connector and make sure it is snapped all the way in.

[ChrisZang]

I had the same problem after changing spark plugs for the first time.
The cable on one of the spark plugs wasn't "snapped in".
After checking I found that on 3 out of 6 cylinders the cable was kind-a loose, so better check all of them

[DaveE]

Originally Posted by dcompress

Update - After a quick run to the store for a code scanner, I found a P0305. Misfire in cylinder 5. Guess I will need to pull that plug back out and see what is going on.

So....which one is 5??

5 is the middle cylinder on the left side of the car (as you are sitting down in the car). 4, 5, 6 from front of engine to flywheel.

[myeboxsters]

When I first got my Boxster, the engine stumbled/stuttered out of the blue when I was making a turn. CEL flashing. Limped home, turned it off, and then started it up again -- no problem, no light.

I posted on here about it and someone said that a flashing CEL is actually GOOD, because it means the computer is fixing/has fixed whatever was going on. If the CEL stays on, that's worse.

Originally Posted by myeboxsters

When I first got my Boxster, the engine stumbled/stuttered out of the blue when I was making a turn. CEL flashing. Limped home, turned it off, and then started it up again -- no problem, no light.

I posted on here about it and someone said that a flashing CEL is actually GOOD, because it means the computer is fixing/has fixed whatever was going on. If the CEL stays on, that's worse.

Myeboxsters, a flashing CEL is more serious. One should pull orver to a safe area ASAP and turn the car off.

[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?

[myeboxsters]

Thanks for the correction/clarification. I must have misunderstood what was being said on my earlier post. Could it be that if the light flashed but then went off, that was okay; but if it just kept flashing and/or stayed on, that was bad?