Need some assistance: Check engine light, fuel filter?

[Lunarfaze]

Hello everyone,

My 1998 Corolla's Check Engine Light came on last week. It came on right after the Gas light came on. There is major hesitation in the car around 3,000 RPM's. At lower and higher, it's ok. I am guessing the fuel filter needs replacing. The car just hit 180,000 miles.

Is there anyway to check the code on my own? I know with my Honda, I can do it with a paper clip.

Also, from what I have read, there is a fuel filter in the gas tank accessible through the rear seat. I also read there is another on the firewall. Is this true?

Thanks!

[Lunarfaze]

Hello...

I wanted to add that could this be caused by spark plugs?

[Lunarfaze]

Update:

I removed the wires and plugs.

#3 wire had white residue on it, some moisture (non-fuel)

#4 looked like crap! Had a lot of moisture on it (non-fuel)

#1 & #2 OK.

I guess some water or something got in there. I am going to Pepboys to get new NGK's...

[fishexpo101]

See if that helps, reset the ECM by pulling the negative battery cable off the car for a several seconds. Might want to try and flick on the lights or similar to bleed off any stored charge. Or pick up a OBD-II scanner at the autoparts store. They have really come down in price, can pick one up for between $50-$60, less if you shop online. Or if they allow it in your state, have them pull the code for you - no sense guessing at it. The jumper trick works on some cars, but generally they had to be pre-1996 models. Some models still make use of a jumper to read the codes, but those are generally restricted to the body ECM or ABS module.

[The ///Man]

Autozone, I think most places have one, will read the codes and give you like a top 4 of related problems. Do what above said, put gas, make sure your fuel cap is tight and see if it comes back.

[Lunarfaze]

Hey everyone.

Update here. I replace the plugs with new NGK's and cleaned everything out. Runs great! Check engine light is off. No need to replace the fuel filter.

Thanks