I started having a new phenomenon with my 2KSE 5MT (Fed.) car on the way to work this morning. To begin with, my CEL has been on since day one of ownership, with a P0430 (or 420 - I don't remember which) Cat Below Optimum Range code and an O2 sensor code, but no driveability problems up until this morning.

Then, this morning, it started with the CEL flashing - it seems like it was mostly when I was trying to accelerate in 4th and 5th gear. It flashed 4 or 5 different times, a different number of flashes each time - mostly 7 blinks. By the time I got 35 more miles toward work, it was noticeably missing. Maybe it was missing on the interstate, but I really couldn't feel it until I got off onto city streets, driving in traffic.

The only thing I've done is I put a brand new K&N drop-in filter (not a CAI) in it about 1K miles ago, and I changed the oil to Castrol Syntec Blend about 450 miles ago.

So the questions: Might the brand new K&N cause MAFS fouling problems as might be caused by a newly re-oiled filter? And might a fouled MAFS produce the flashing CEL and the driveability issue as described? I know the O2 sensor needs attention, but if I can just get it back to driveable first, that would be good.

 

unless the brand new filter was over oiled.....which wouldn't happen. when i dropped mine in i had no issues. if your maf is bad, then the car wouldn't be starting or would not be revving past 1-3k rpms

 

Check the codes. Probably have a new one that you are unaware of because you haven't corrected the original problem.

 

flashing MIL light means multiple or cylinder # missfire code.. Most likely coils!

 

i have a k&n filter too, but took it out and went back to stock after reading all about the MAF issues, not worth the hastle! doesnt like your problem is filter related though.

 

So, can coils be tested individually, or do you just have to hit and miss and swap around coils for a diagnosis?

 

go to autozone and have the codes read they told me what cylinders was misfiring.. did the tcs slip and ses code light up at once?

 

swapping coils will be a little bit of a pain for the back cylinders

 

Fixed!!!

I had Auto Zone scan the codes, and it showed misfire on #4. Since it was on the front bank and I had some tools, I changed the coilpack on the spot (although I tried changing the spark plug first.) Smooth like butta. I'm just glad it wasn't one of the rear bank coilpacks. I probably need to just go ahead and change them now, so I don't get stranded somewhere away from home.

 

good job NisTech....

 

Thanks all!