Check engine light is flashing and it seems to be misfiring. Temp is normal but when I sit and let it idle for a while it gets hot and the heat blows cold. I lost gas cap recently...

110

Asked by Noelle Nov 24, 2017 at 02:01 PM about the 1999 Lexus ES

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Check engine light  is flashing and it seems to be
misfiring. Temp is normal but when I sit and let it
idle for a while it gets hot and the heat blows cold.  
If I put it in neutral and give it gas The heat comes
back and temp goes back down to normal range. I
did recently lose my gas cap but the check engine
wasn’t on for about a week. And it comes on and
goes off frequently but the mechanic said when I
had some work done that this wasn’t a big problem.
But now it’s flashing. I can only imagine the car
means business.

2 Answers

110

Thanks Tom. I’m about three miles from the auto parts store and it’s really misfiring. I know it’s hard for you to guess without seeing it but you think it’s safe to travel that far? I was wondering I guess if there’s anything that’s a red flag not to drive it from the things I told you it was doing. Thanks!

6 people found this helpful.
110

They said there was an evap code which would be the gas cap. And then it was a multi cyl misfire and cyl 2 and 3 misfire (4 codes total). But it came on fast. Rather than gradual. He said it’s prob only spark plugs and wires and needs a tune up. Being the weekend, a mechanic may be tough. And to be honest, money is super tight. He said (the guy that read the codes) it’s nothing that will cause bad damage and that I shouldn’t break down. He said it will just run really rough (that’s an underestimate) and it shouldn’t break down until I get to a mechanic. That the worst that can happen is the misfiring and bad gas mileage. He also said- worst case scenario, it could be a fuel injector. He thought I’d be okay to drive it a few days as is. Thoughts?

5 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

ES

Looking for a Used ES in your area?

CarGurus has 186 nationwide ES listings starting at $3,990.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Guru5H8HM
    Reputation
    4,640
  • #2
    AndyESLexus
    Reputation
    4,570
  • #3
    GuruBPJQ
    Reputation
    3,610
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Lexus GS
13 listings starting at $6,995
Used Lexus LS
4 Great Deals out of 30 listings starting at $9,995
Used Lexus RX
41 Great Deals out of 812 listings starting at $4,995
Used Toyota Camry
62 Great Deals out of 1,074 listings starting at $3,500
Used Honda Accord
56 Great Deals out of 991 listings starting at $2,000
Used Toyota Avalon
6 Great Deals out of 32 listings starting at $4,388
Used Lexus LX
32 listings starting at $9,450
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
35 Great Deals out of 506 listings starting at $5,700

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.