check engine 99 toyota

[island guy]

99 toyota 6 cylinder. Check engine came on and it started running a bit rough. The light sometimes flickers when I accelerate. Any ideas before I take it to a shop? Thanks

[Pinusbanksiana]

02 sensor. You can replace yourself. put several in my toyotas.

[Jeremy airjer W]

O2 sensors generally don't cause flashing check engine lights and I wouldn't just install one on a hunch.

A flashing check engine light indicates that the problem could potential damage the catalytic converter. The added clue that it is running a bit ruff suggests that you have a cylinder misfire and when bad enough will cause the check engine light to flash.

You didn't mention what kind of toyota or what v-6 so the rest is assumption but can apply to any v-6.

The easiest way to figure out what cylinder is causing the problem would be to pull the trouble code(s). With out the codes all you can do is visually check the ignition components. You will be looking for corroded terminals in the coils where the ignition wires plug in. Check the spark plugs to see if there worn out. Check for carbon tracking on the plugs and inside the spark plug wire boots (it will look like black lightning bolt burns eroded into the porcelain of the spark plug. The last thing is to check for burn through on the outside of the spark plug wire boots (they will look like black burnt spots).

[skolfoppa]

Start by cleaning your MAF sensor off your airbox. Then move to plugs and plug wires. Skol.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Dirty MAF won't cause a check engine light to flash. Even if it where dirty enough to cause a lean misfire it would have flagged a check engine light long ago with lean codes.

[Scott K]

A flashing check engine light should only be caused by a fault that will cause damage to the Cat converter. Such as a dead miss.