Hello. I hate to ask but was unable to find an answer by searching. I read the sticky on engine codes but this only works on 2000 and newer. Mine is a 98. Today while driving to work, I was driving up a section of hill. The truck felt like it was shaking while climbing this piece of hill. I noticed it yesterday, but today the engine light began blinking as it was happening. If I'm not mistaken, a blinking light means something serious is going on at the moment. As soon as I crested the hill everything was fine and the light never actually came on and stayed on. Misfire? Trans? Some possible pertinent info; I replaced the tps about a month ago. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

the blinking cel is indicating that the catalytic converter could/is being damaged by a misfire or something along those lines.

What kind of spark plugs are you using and when were they last changed. You should be using the cheap champion copper ones.

 

I thought that a blinking CEL was indicating that the truck was in "limp" mode, allowing it only 1st & second gear, limiting max rpm's, etc.? Even though the light isn't onnow, have you had it scanned for stored codes that may point you towards the problem?

+1 on plugs & a general tuneup if it's been awhile.

Bob

 

Nope a flashing cel means that there is a misfire or something letting fuel get into the catalytic converter and will f it up if the issue is not addressed.

If I'm not mistaken limp mode throws a code and the cel stays on steady for that.

 

Thanks for the info guys. Definitely not limp mode, as I was in od going about 60 at the time. As far as plugs, I have no clue what's in there or the last time they were changed. I purchased the vehicle in November from a dealer. Good place to start. Appreciate it.

 

Thanks, I didn't know that!

Bob

 

no problem, we all learn something new everyday.

 

That_guy, I don't have an owner manual. Do you know off the top of your head what those plugs are gapped at?

 

gap them to .040

 

spark plug gap is 0.040 please dont try to gap them out to almost 1/2 an inch

and a blinking CEL means you have misfires, and its usually missing REALLY badly at that when the light starts flashing, nothing more.

yes too much raw fuel can damage the CAT but that is not why the light blinks