When my car starts it seems to be in perfect running cond...


When my car starts it seems to be in perfect running condition but when i drive off the check [engine](/topics-engine-toyota/) light starts to flash and my car starts to run rough Mechanic's Assistant: Does the light stay ...

When my car starts it seems to be in perfect running condition but when i drive off the check [engine](/topics-engine-toyota/) light starts to flash and my car starts to run rough Mechanic's Assistant: Does the light stay on, or does it blink? It is blinking Mechanic's Assistant: What is the make/model/year of your car? It is a w001 [camry](/topics-camry/) solara v6 Mechanic's Assistant: What year is your Camry Solara? 2001 Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Camry Solara yourself? What have you tried so far? Well this just hapoenwd. So nothing yet Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? No i think rhats it

Automotive Expert
Hi and welcome to JustAnswer! You can ask unlimited questions to any of the 12,000 Experts! From doctors, lawyers, tech support, contractors, tutors, auto and boat mechanics, appliance technicians, veterinarians, accountants, appraisers, psychologists, engineers, heavy machinery masters, dream interpreters, and more, we've got you covered, 24/7. My name is \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* I will be able to assist you. I’m sorry that you’re having trouble with your vehicle. Don’t worry though, we’ll be able to figure this out. Thank you for taking the time to let us help you out with this problem and hopefully we can sort it out quickly. Please understand that I do not know your knowledge or capabilities so I may need to ask questions to find out basic information to help solve your specific problem. Sometimes it may take a moment for me to respond because I may have to look up information about your concern. I appreciate your patience and will provide responses as soon as possible. The check engine light will blink when there is a misfire. To see what specifically is causing the light to come on the vehicle will need to be tested with a scan tool that connects to the vehicle. This test will provide a trouble code that describes what specific system is having the problem. If you can have the vehicle scanned and can give me the code, I will be able to tell you specifically what is wrong with it. If you do not have a scan tool then you can bring your vehicle to any auto part store and they will scan it for free and give you the trouble code. Typically this is caused by faulty [spark plugs](/topics-spark-plug-toyota/) but here's some tests we'll need to do: 1. Spark (Electronic ignition system diagnosis) 2. Fuel injector balance test (record the results) 3. What grade of fuel and where was it last filled. (Especially if it is all cylinders). 4. Have you checked for possible fuel contaminated? 5. Check the supply ignition voltage to the ignition module/coil assemblies, and also to the fuel injectors 6. Complete a Compression test, static and running (record the results) 7. Complete a Cylinder leakage test if needed (record the results) 8. Note the fuel trims. (rich or lean) 9. Complete a Spark plug inspection ( inspect for anything abnormal) Swap components from the misfiring cylinder to known good locations. Check for any abnormal engine noise possibly related to the misfire. My goal is to give you the best service possible and to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to let me know. If I’m not online at the time, I will respond ASAP when I get back.

I read online that i shouldnt drive my car with FLASbing light on
Automotive Expert
It's not good because a misfire can damage the [catalytic converter](/topics-catalytic-converter-toyota/) but we would need more information such as the trouble codes to see what the problem is. That leaves us with 3 options. 1. Tow it to a repair shop 2. Borrow a scan tool from a friend 3. Drive it to an auto part store to get the codes

I could drive it to auto store but im just worried that it will damage it
Automotive Expert
You could try changing the spark plugs first and see if that helps. If not, we would need to get those codes somehow.

Ok i will do that. That is the most likely cause right
Automotive Expert
Yes that is the most likely cause and if they haven't been changed in a while then they are probably due to be changed. The code would show us which specific cylinder is having the problem also. You have to get the double grounded, double platinum spark plugs. Here are the part numbers depending on brand: DENSO PK20TR11 NGK BKR6EKPB11 See attached picture for reference.

Ok thank you i will get back to you when i check them
Automotive Expert
You're very welcome.

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