Crazy Check Engine Light

[TTercel]

Well I drive a 1995 Toyota Tercel and ive been getting a CEL code on and off and i have no clue whats going on. Everytime I go to check it its off it pisses me off. Anyone know what the problem could be like a CEL that comes on every so on... The very first time it came on it flashed for a good 30 seconds.

[NickR]

You can still check it even if the cel goes off. The computer memorises the codes.

[TTercel]

^ Are you serious....oh damn never knew that thanks a lot man.

[NickR]

Yes. (On some cars a few of the codes are stored only temporarily, from one startup to the next, but I don't think this applies to the Tercel.) That is why you have to clear the codes after you fix a problem, because otherwise it will tell you all the codes the car ever had, and some of those codes could be stored from old problems going way back.

By the way, if I remember correctly, a flashing cel is serious, and it's telling you to stop the engine. (I hope someone else will confirm or deny that.)

[TTercel]

Are you serious someone verify this for me please...

[TdotTercel]

ive never heard that before

[NickR]

I Googled on "flashing check engine light" and found a variety of responses. Some said it indicates a serious misfire; some said it indicates the potential for serious engine damage, and some said it depends on the car, and see what your manual says. I don't have the manual with me now. Here's one, for example: http://www.alldata.com/techtips/2001/20011217b.html

[pidster]

For a 1995 or newer tercel a blinking CEL means misfiring, severe enough to cause overheating of teh catalytic converter. You would be able to feel misfiring. Whats the car running like?

I'd get the codes scanned. The only way to know whats going on. If its blinking and you're concerned, letting off the gas for a bit would let the cat cool down a bit.

[pidster]

BTW my car had this problem, flashing CEL sometimes and sputtering under accelleration, all that was wrong was worn out plugs and wires