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engine shakes


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wurtzcarol
New User

Jul 19, 2014, 5:13 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1403 views)
post icon engine shakes Sign In

2004 chevy impala 3.4 engine has little over 145k miles. was running fine yesterday. this morning the motor shakes an there is a really bad smell coming out of the tail pipe. im a woman an dont no much about cars. Does anyone no what the problem would be. O an the engine light comes on an when your stopped the light is on when u go to take off the light starts flashing


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jul 19, 2014, 5:19 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1398 views)
Re: engine shakes Sign In

 The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Jul 19, 2014, 6:00 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1382 views)
Re: engine shakes Sign In

Just to add, if the check engine light is flashing, that means you have a catalyst damaging misfire. If you keep running the engine with a bad misfire, it will eventually overheat the catalyst and it will melt.

The catalytic converter is in the exhaust system and cleans the harmful chemicals out of the exhaust gasses the engine produces before they exit the exhaust pipe. Catalysts are not cheap btw.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jul 19, 2014, 6:02 AM)






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