My check engine light is on. The car was running fine even with it on. I was driving it after about half an hour of it being okay and the power started to decrease and I pulled over and it died. It started right back up again, did this about 3 more times. It seems to be that it will go from cold in the morning and drive fine for about half an hour now then stop. It will take about 15 minutes of it sitting there for it to start back up again. It starts back up again, then a couple of minutes later will die again then will be completely fine. Get home leave it over night and it starts right back up again in the morning but the same problem all the time. My husband checked the distributer rotar and it was hardly hanging on so he put a new cap on but the problem is still there. Sorry if I said the wrong thing about the distributer don't know anything about cars except the basic check oil etc. I even put a new battery in it. I just dont want to spend money on stuff that doesnt need to be replaced but cant afford hefty mechanic fees. I called checkers but they said they cant diagnose anything unless it is over a 1996, same with Autozone. If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it.

Thank you.

 

Pull down the carpet where the passenger's feet would be. The engine computer is mounted there. On it, there is a little window with a red LED behind it. This is how you read out the reason(s) why the check engine light is on. Turn the key on to the normal run position but do not start the engine. The LED should start flashing. It will flash several times, pause, then flash again. Count how many flashes are in each group.

Though it sounds like there may be more than one problem with your car, one not critical enough to make it quit and one that is. When it will not start, turn the key on (do not crank) and listen for the fuel pump under the back seat. It should run for 2 seconds then stop. Also take one of the spark plug wires off and connect it to a spare plug. Hold this plug against the top of the engine and have someone try to start the car. You should see the plug sparking. Repeat for the other wires. Of course this test doesn't mean anything unless it is done when it is not willing to start.