Check Engine Light
 

The Check Engine Light just came on and it's blinking. Car has roughly 40K. I just left a message at the dealer. Engine shaky than usual and there's an awful smell.. more like of a gasoline.. any idea? Thanks!

if its flashing that is BAD
i wouldnt drive the car if i were you....

(99 ES) Yeah I tried to move forward a lil and it rattled even more =(.

Misfire... CEL light blinking indicates that the engine computer has picked up an ignition misfire. If it is a steady on then it is usually a sensor failure or a sensor is out of normal operating range. The fact that you notice engine vibration and gas smell pretty much confirms the misfire. Have you ever changed the spark plugs on the car? Check the plug wires or coil leads to make sure they are connected properly also. Have any mods been done to the car?

Also, did you recently wash the engine?

Washing the engine of a BJ Pro without first removing the plugwires and *thoroughly* sealing the holes is a frequent cause of misfires.

Had the same problem on my 99 LX at 50,000km. It was a misfiring coil distributor. Dealer said it was an intermittant problem. They replaced the part under warranty. I've had no problems since. My dealer said he has seen a rash of these come in recently. My friend had the same problem on her 00 LX at 25,000 km as well.

True
 

Culprit: Spark Plugs

Had it towed yesterday to the dealer. It's a common thing b/c Mazda Service told me that the spark plugs were designed not to exceed 30K-40K.. and of course that's when you have that 36K Tune up which I doubt I had. Damn manipulative marketing!

Ok you guys.. err tune up cost like $450 bucks. I don't wanna do the full tune up yet. Definitely have to change the spark plugs. Would you recommend to drive it home? Take note that the light still flashes and the smell is still there? I don't want change @ the dealer coz it's a rip off.. Tight budget!

Change the plugs yourself. $10 tops. That $450 the dealer wants is rape to say the least. Really nothing more than changing some fluids, filters and plugs. But you may be able to push them to change the plugs under the emissions warranty. It is technically an emissions failure and in that condition the car wont pass.

Definitely change the plugs yourself and save the money. You can also disconnect the battery cable for a minute or two and then hook it back up. This should reset the computer and rid you of the check engine light.

thanks for the tip....
now lets just hope I remember to change my spark plugs then before the dealer rapes me $450 to do a tune up

hell get the plugs....take the spark plug wrench with you and change them right there in the dealers lot before you drive it home! I damn sure would!