Q: Engine running rough and light now on.

asked by on October 11, 2016

Engine initially started running rough on up hill acceleration (felt like ruts in road), then engine light came on (code tested manually crank x3 with no error), and now running rough in flat conditions. Vehicle purchased 2 mths ago from dealership who was to have inspected for resale/replaced alternator. EGR valve had been replaced in April, and after purchase on trip through hilly conditions engine light/EGR code came up again and found quite dirty so cleaned it [tests okay now] as well as sticky throttle body which dealer replaced. On purchase new champion plugs replaced with iridium ones and fuel injector cleaner added. Now on noted problem 90 Octane gas tried and just put in a fuel cleaner. Orig owner parked vehicle every winter (6 months) in garage and suspect fuel stabilizer was not used re EGR/throttle body issues. Initially was suspecting plugged fuel filter but questionable after reading symptoms on line (no start problems as yet). Possibilities/things to test?

My car has 65000 miles.

Yes you could have bad fuel in the system if that is the case. However, you may want to check and make sure your fuel filter is good, and make sure there are no extra leaks in the the air intake. Too much air will cause a problem with running. A local expert from YourMechanic can diagnose the rough running issue and Check Engine Light so that this can be corrected properly.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Engine’s knocking and burning oil
In order for you to get your engine replaced as smoothly as possible, have it done by a qualified mechanic. The Ford dealer would be a good option if your vehicle is under warranty because the repair would likely be...
How Do My Turn Signal Lights Cancel on Their Own?
Q: How do my turn signal lights cancel on their own? Most vehicles are designed with turn signals that operate in a manner that allows them to return to their default position automatically, via a mechanism built into the steering...
Power steering not working.
First thing to check would be to make sure the belt is still attached to the power steering pump and that the fluid is at the level mark, typically low fluid level indicates a leak somewhere in the system. I...
My car died while driving it
In this case, it sounds like your battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement) or alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement) is failing. If you'd like to get this fixed, certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, will be able to diagnose your stalling issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-stalling-inspection) to determine the exact...
How do I know if the rear defrost module is bad?
Hi there. If you checked the fuse, defroster switch, main power tabs and the wiring but the defroster still does not work, then It is time to take a look at the relay. The defroster relay is normally located under...
Battery or Charging system problem
This may suggest a failing voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is a unit that regulates the charging of the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-will-not-hold-a-charge-inspection) by the alternator. When the voltage regulator is not working properly, this may result in the alternator allowing too...
Stalled while driving on highway now won't start turns over but won't start
Hello There, Stalling at high speeds as you describe can be related to many different things such as a random electrical failure or potentially a fuel supply issue. Since the truck does turn over and fire, this suggests you are...
2007 RR Supercharged. The check engine light came on. Code p0171 and p0173. Oxygen sensor bank 1 and 2. Checked the battery.
Hi there. The check engine light codes are for the engine running lean on bank one and bank two. Check the fuel injectors to see which injectors are not working. A lean condition is when the fuel injector(s) are not...
I have a1999 infiniti qx4 v6 . Trouble code p0180 comes up and p0180 pd. I replaced the sending unit. Still won't start.
The trouble code P0180 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0180-obd-ii-trouble-code-fuel-temperature-sensor-a-circuit-malfunction-by-jay-safford) could be related to the no start condition if the fuel is frozen from extreme cold or if there is water in the fuel. Also, if the fuel gets too hot and vaporizes, that can...

Related articles

How to Prevent and Handle an Overheated Engine
An overheated engine can seize the motor completely. Learn how to prevent your engine from getting too hot and causing damage.
P2442 OBD-II Trouble Code: Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve Stuck Open Bank 2
P2442 P2442 code definition The P2442 code is a generic powertrain code related to the auxiliary emissions control system. This particular code appears when the bank 2 secondary air injection valve stays open. The P2442 code is also related to:...
P3467 OBD-11 Trouble Code: Cylinder 9 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
What What the P3467 code means The P3467 code indicates that your vehicle’s intake valve control circuit is low. What causes the P3467 code? There may be one or more causes for the P3467 code. One may be that your...