Car rattle on start, CEL flashing? HELP

[Resistance92]

yes i checked previous threads and nothing was quite similar. All im getting is it could be misfire? which makes no sense to me.

Every now and then when i first turn the car on when it hasnt been turned on for awhile (3hours+) it may or may not shake a little then its fine to drive and runs perfect.

Today i went to turn it on and it did the rattle, but this time the CEL kept flashing for like 5 minutes. The car settled down and i drove it, but the CEL kept flashing. It has stopped but im worried about it.

Things i have done to the car is changed the dizcap/rotor, ngk spark plugs and plug wires, short ram intake.

So is it misfire? how can i fix this. i dont like it to rattle and i definetly dont like CEL flashing. really scary!

 

[Alvi84]

Flashing CEL does indicate you have a misfire but I was also able to find a thread from the past that stated he had the blinking CEL and when he pulled the code it was for the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). I would start with those two in mind when looking over you car. I would have your ignition coil checked and then the TPS sensor.

 

[Resistance92]

Flashing CEL does indicate you have a misfire but I was also able to find a thread from the past that stated he had the blinking CEL and when he pulled the code it was for the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). I would start with those two in mind when looking over you car. I would have your ignition coil checked and then the TPS sensor.

hmm thx for input

how would i go about getting it checked? is it something i can change myself? $$$ is really tight and im not sure how much these things are. im fairly mechanically competent as long as it doesnt involve air tools lol.

 

[Resistance92]

hmm thx for input

how would i go about getting it checked? is it something i can change myself? $$$ is really tight and im not sure how much these things are. im fairly mechanically competent as long as it doesnt involve air tools lol.

up, still need help with this.

 

[Tam4511]

Check the cel code.

 

[seahtech]

You need a code reader. Go to Shucks or Autozone etc and they will pull the code and get back to us!

 

[Resistance92]

up, still need help on how to fix (TPS sensor? and how to clean IAC sensor)

CEL Code is p0420

 

[gugiey]

when you engine light blinks you SHOULDN'T drive you car this is indicating that a major fault is gonna or about to happen .

normal check engine lights stay on
serious lights flash to get your attention and take it to a shop .

 

[French-Frye]

you really should not drive it when the CEL is flashing. a flashing CEL indicates a Type A misfire and could do serious damage to your CAT.

 

[Resistance92]

okay thanks for the warning wont do it again. So how can i fix this problem? is the 420 code the cat? thats what the lady said but i dont see y it would make my engine rattle on start up...

 

[Resistance92]

Sooo....today it finally is crapping out on me. Never got it changed due to $$$ problems but i can now take a loan out or something.

Whats happening: I turn my car on, then 5 seconds later the CEL will start blinking and the engine will literally SHAKE...i popped my hood and watched it shake...i also smelled a hint of oil. I turned my car on and off like 10 times to see if it would go away this time but its not to no avail...so im having a mechanic come check it out.

Where should I start? The motor is original b18b1 from 1998, never rebuilt...im sure it needs attention i just lack tools...

 

[Resistance92]

checked my cap and rotor which i changed in April, they were fine. Checked my spark plugs and 2,3 are pretty flooded with oil...1, 4 are clean.