engine malfunction light is flashing
Need some help, ASAP. I bought a used PT Cruiser, it has close to 80,000 miles on it. I have had it six months. It has the small automatic engine. I noticed when I got it, that the car would do some jerking or lurching type feeling when I would hit around 50 mph. My husband said it was acting like it was not wanting to change gears at this speed. If I let off the gas, or gave it more gas, it would correct itself. The problem has gotten worse since the gas shortage. I have added a few rounds of fuel injector cleaner about every other fill up. This would seem to help. But in the last two fill ups, it is doing the jerking a lot. Mostly still at 45-50 mph, but have also started noticing that during acceleration, the car acts likes it just doesn't have the pep to get going. If I turn on the air or heat, it will do this at any speed or when idiling. Last night the engine light came on and stayed on. It has been cranked and driven three times since, and the light stays on. This am the light will start flashing when I try to acclerate going up a hill. I have parked the car, and want to have it looked at. I will need to drive ten miles into town to a Honda dealer to have it looked at. Should I run by Auto Advance and have a test done first, to know the codes? Or take it straight to dealer? Also, should I have it towed and not driven at this point? I am afraid of damaging my car. Thank you so much! Katherine