Misfire and check engine light flashing
Asked by Keith Jan 13, 2016 at 09:16 PM about the 2001 Mazda Protege LX 2.0
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
About two weeks ago my exhaust started
rattling after getting stuck in the snow. it's
been rattling ever since and I've noticed the
exhaust has dropped but has not
unattached anywhere because it's not any
louder. tonight it started bogging and the
check engine light started flashing. I'm
thinking since the exhaust has dropped due
to a broken strap I'm guessing that my
oxygen sensor has been affected by it.
either broken wire or some other issue
related to the exhaust dropping. is this a
possibility or some other issue causing it?
9 Answers
Get the engine codes read and post them here so we can do something other than guess.
going to get codes in the morning.was actually looking for guess a or a possibility based on the information stated above.knowing that the oxygen sensors are located on the exhaust before the converter I was guessing it could be a oxygen sensor issue. but I don't know if I have one or two oxygen sensors. any guess or possibility or input whatsoever would be greatly appreciated.
It is not the O2 sensors I can say that much with some confidence.
The catalytic converter could be plugged up. It is possible that a hot catalytic converter being stuck into snow could have thermal shock to the matrix inside causing it to break and plug up. How is that for a guess?
I did consider a plugged converter but with the exhaust dropping and rattling the way it is, my first thought was oxygen sensors. but your guess does make some sense. but wouldn't that have affected it sooner? the car has ran fine other than the rattling exhaust up until a few hours ago. thank you for your response.
My advice is free and worth every penny! Post the codes and you will get better free advice!
Will do in the morn, thank you again and have a great night.
Code 0304, was told bad coil and found coil wire sparking on valve cover. and my number four plug was fouled. bought new cnew new wires and new plugs. hoping that works
damn auto spell ......bought a new coil new wires and new plugs
