I have a 2001 with 58k and my check engine light has come on and i think the car shakes a little more at idle. Common/Possible causes?

 

This is what everyone is gona say...go get the code. Could be anything...

 

what code?

 

The check engine light is a result of some type of malfunction or failure. If you get the code pulled at a place like autozone or buy your own code puller you will be able to see what exactly is cuasing your check engine light to turn on. Then you can fix it. It could be a easy fix like your gas cap comming undone etc...but you won't know for sure unless you get the code pulled.

When you get the code pulled you can post it on here and someone can tell what that code exactly means

 

as stated. go to an auto zone or some place that has the tool to pull the code. just tell them you have a check engine light and need to see what code it is. post here.

also, is your check engine light blinking constantly? or does it come on, blink a couple times, and then stay on solidly?

if it blinks and just keeps blinking, DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR.

 

ok i got my code pulled i have spark plug malfunction/misfiring on all 4 plugs and a 1399 error code that the guy couldnt really figure out... i think i need new coils or something

 

i doubt its all of the coils going bad at once. I would put in new spark plugs and swap around the coil packs and see what happens. there is a diagnostic proceedure in the helm manual.

 

how hard is it to change out these spark plugs? some shop here wants $150 parts and labor

 

you are getting raped on that price, but if you have to ask how to change spark plugs, maybe you should just let them do it.

let me baby talk you through it.

you open the hood, the red thing ontop of the engine is called the valve cover. ontop of it is a black metal piece that says honda on it, it has a couple of bolts holding it on, take it off. you will see 4 coil packs and a wiring harness going to each. undo each harness, unbolt each coil pack, and pull it out, then use a 9" extension on a spark plug socket, and undo each spark plug, and then put in the new plugs and tighten to kind of snug (18 ft-lb). do not tighten too much or you will strip the threads and then you are looking at $$$ to fix that. then put the coil packs back on , connect the harnesses back on blah blah. then pull out the fuse labelled backup that is in the panel next to the clutch pedal and put it back in to clear the check engine light. then start the car, drive it around, see if you get the check engine light again.

but since you don't know how to do this, i'd advise not working on your car and just paying someone to do it so that you won't mess something up.

 

thats nuts. it took me 20 mins to change mine. there is a write you can follow. its very easy. if you were local, i'd do it for a nice dinner or something