Q: Flashing check engine light, service stabilitrak, traction control light, only while idling

asked by on October 14, 2016

My car had a rough idle, and if I sit at a red light or let the car run in idle for a few minutes my check engine light starts to flash, and service stabilitrak, and traction control light comes on, I had the code ran and it comes back as a misfire on cylinder 4, I was recommended by the auto zone clerk to have my fuel injectiotors cleaned witch was done not too long ago. Any ideas of what it could be?

My car has 63000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hello. If you are getting a code on cylinder 4, then that means there is an issue with that cylinder. Most of the time, with so few miles, the issue is not related to dirty fuel injectors but is caused by a failure in the spark plug or a failing ignition coil.

I usually remove the spark plugs and check them for wear. If those are fine, then the ignition coil needs to be checked. If that is fine also, then I would do a compression test to see if there is an internal failure in the engine causing this. If you are planning on having the misfire repaired, consider having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, determine why the Check Engine Light is coming on.

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

Is It Unsafe to Continue Driving a Vehicle with Broken Wheel Speed Sensors?
The wheel speed sensors are the vehicle’s sensors which are used to collect data for the vehicle’s safety systems. These systems include such safety features as the anti-lock braking system (ABS (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-abs-speed-sensor)) and the electronic stability control system (ESC (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-electronic-spark-control)),...
Car has no acceleration
If the vehicle is in drive and the vehicle won't accelerate there can be multiple issues causing this concern. The transmission could be slipping not allowing the flow of power from the motor to reach the wheels. There could be...
Low RPMs
Hi there. This is a common problem for your vehicle. There are many different things that can be effecting your idle rpm. The Idle Air Control Valve for your Vanos needs attention. Vanos is the variable valve timing BMW incorporated...
I attempt to start the car, power comes on does not click or attempt to turn over. If I try to start it again, no power.
Hi, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. This sounds like you may have a short somewhere in your electrical system. Try checking all of your fuses (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-fuses-by-rocco-lovetere) in the fuse box under the hood. There should be...
Engine light came on! Upper radiator hose blue!
Hello. The Check Engine Light will need to have a scanner connected to it and retrieve any stored codes that may have been caused by the overheating when the hose blew out. Once the codes are retrieved then the codes...
Catalytic converter issue?
Hello! It sounds like you may have a clogged catalytic converter or potentially a faulty Oxygen sensor. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When this is...
Do I need to remove the transmission to get to slave cylinder on Saturn Ion 2005?
Hi there. The slave cylinder is a part that is attached on the side of the transmission to operate the clutch fork. For your vehicle, the slave cylinder is inside the bell housing area. You can bleed the slave cylinder...
What if I'm not the first time owner? 2010 Nissan Armada
Hello - Recalls, or a potential recall scenario, apply to any owner of a vehicle, regardless whether you are the original purchaser, or the 5th owner. Check with your Nissan dealer or the NHTSA website (www.nhtsa.gov), which keeps recall repair...
Check engine light
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of possible causes for the check engine light to come on (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection). The only real way to know what has caused the light to come on is to pull the diagnostic trouble codes...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy for Senior Citizens
Everyone Everyone needs a way to get around. You need to get groceries, get to doctors’ appointments, visit with family and more. However, senior citizens have very different needs when it comes to buying a used car than other demographics....
P0601 OBD-II Trouble Code: Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error
P0601 code definition P0601 is a general OBD-II trouble code referencing a fault with the internal control memory. This code may be seen...
P0281 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 7 Contribution/Balance Fault
P0281 P0281 code definition The generic trouble code P0281 indicates cylinder 7 contribution/balance fault. What the P0281 code means The P0281 code means that cylinder 7 in the firing order of your cylinders is having an issue related to the...