HELP! Service engine soon light blink, runs rough, bad smell

[polo]

So today I went out and started my car...

It idled extremely rough, I stared backing it out gently and then I immediately stopped - then after a few seconds the service engine soon light came on and then started blinking - and then this really bad smell (almost like burning rubber) started.

Turned the car off immediately - then noticed a light yellow colored, sort of what looked like powder (?) or something, on the pavement where the car was.

HELP!

[AJT2004]

A blinking MIL is usually a misfire, could be a simple as a disconnected ignition wire on the exhaust manifold.
Did you open the hood for an inspection?
How many miles?
Is maintenance up to date?

[polo]

A blinking MIL is usually a misfire, could be a simple as a disconnected ignition wire on the exhaust manifold.
Did you open the hood for an inspection?
How many miles?
Is maintenance up to date?

Opened the hood after I turned the car off... checked the coolant level and color, transmission fluid color, oil color... all OK.

Just turned over the 100,000 mile mark.

Yes, maintenance is up to date - the car is very well taken care of.

However, I got to thinking...

In the last few weeks, after I filled up with gas from a gas station I never used before (still Shell) - the car, twice, when I turned it on had a slight rough idle - but when I backed out of the driveway and began to drive, after a block or two it went away and ran normal.

I chalked it up to "bad gas" from the new gas station I went to.

However, looking back on it - it only happened AFTER if rained... both times...

So, something with moisture getting in somewhere? Maybe...?

[AJT2004]

Ignition wires are suspect, if they're original or over 5 years old replace. I recommend using OEM quality- Delco, Delphi or Denso. Funny all begin with D!
You can check at night using a spray bottle filled with water. Carefully spray the wires, if you see any sparking consider that your smoking (sparking) gun.

[camopaint0707]

flashing engine light means misfire. I wouldn't drive it until you get that squared away.

[polo]

Well, brought it into the dealership...

Got a message saying it has a bad O2 sensor and the third cylinder is misfiring...

Bad... ?

[95naSTA]

Are they doing the repair?

What are you asking is bad? These issues are relatively straightforward.

[polo]

Are they doing the repair?

What are you asking is bad? These issues are relatively straightforward.

Yes, they will be repairing it...

Bad as in... a lot of money...?

Haven't been able to get a hold of my "service advisor" today yet...

[95naSTA]

Since it's the dealership it'll be more expensive than elsewhere but you're probably looking at $150-200 in parts and 3-4 hours of labor to include diagnosing.

[polo]

Well, it wound up needing a new O2 sensor and coil.

Thanks for everyone's help as usual!

[polo]

Well...

Dealership says they can't get the O2 sensor off without stripping it...?

And if they do that I would need a new catalytic converter...

So I should just drive around with the SERVICE ENGINE SOON warning light on.

Classy...

[luke_dubs]

Find a shop that can actually replace an O2 sensor without charging you a stupid amount of money for it.

When I helped my uncle get an O2 sensor off his Cruze (different vehicle, I know), we used one of those small blowtorches to heat up the threads, and it came off, rather forcefully. It's much better than trying to take it off of cold pipes.

[95naSTA]

Find a muffler shop. If they can't get it out with a torch they can drill it out and weld in a new bung.

[dougtoth]

When we did the one on my 2000SLE we used a torch to heat it up cherry red hot.
It then came out rather easy.
We then used a tap to chase the threads before we put the new one in. (TAP 18-1 5MM PLUG)
Use the anti seize on the threads on the new one.
Only on threads not on the sensor itself!!!!

[harofreak00]

Dealership says they can't get the O2 sensor off without stripping it...?

And if they do that I would need a new catalytic converter...

...and most people believe this crap? From a dealership? I'd never set foot in there again if they are trying to pull that.

[polo]

Well, won't be able to get the O2 sensor fixed until after Christmas now...

What are the "affects/effects" of a bad O2 censor...?

Bad gas mileage? Low power? Bad smell? Anything major that would harm anything...?

[AJT2004]

The critical item is the misfire, was that resolved? After that is repaired, clear the code(s) wait to see if the MIL stays off.
Do you have a code reader/scan tool?
Separately, I would suggest bringing the car to a recommended repair shop if further work is needed.

[polo]

The critical item is the misfire, was that resolved? After that is repaired, clear the code(s) wait to see if the MIL stays off.
Do you have a code reader/scan tool?
Separately, I would suggest bringing the car to a recommended repair shop if further work is needed.

Yes, the misfire was fixed - it needed a new coil.

They just didn't put a new O2 sensor on because they said it was so rusted that it would probably break/strip if they removed it and then I would need to buy a new cat, etc...

No, I don't have a scan tool... :(

[nos4blood70]

If the misfire is fixed, the downstream O2 sensor is far less of an issue and won't affect the car much, if at all. Deal with this after the holidays, and like it was said above, go to an exhaust shop.