Diagnose my problem, please (omg engine light)

[Saulbadguy]

2005 Ford Escape V6
Turn key, takes a few seconds to start
Makes a "weird" noise when idling, a knocking noise
Drives normally, unless you are stopped, in which it makes previously mentioned noise, and sort of "shakes" a tad bit, like you are tapping on the brakes
ENGINE LIGHT JUST CAME ON. DANGER.

 

[PricklyPete]

Are the RPM's moving at all at idle or is it staying steady after the car has started up and gone through the warm up cycle?

 

[Saulbadguy]

Are the RPM's moving at all at idle or is it staying steady after the car has started up and gone through the warm up cycle?

RPM seems steady/normal.

 

[potato28]

Just on idle? Check out your IAC valve, it could be gummed up.

 

[Vetterin]

Go to Autozone and have them run a scan on the CEL and let us know what code/codes come up.

 

[Icepick]

Sounds like the same problem I had until today. While getting the oil changed at Valvoline they hooked up their "computer" to diagnose the "check engine light." It indicated a failed knock sensor. I took the car over to Pep Boys and had it replaced. The car seems to be running better now and the check engine light is no longer lit.

 

[Icepick]

Go to Autozone and have them run a scan on the CEL and let us know what code/codes come up.

In the waiting room at Pep Boys some guy told me that we can purchase our own device that can be hooked up to the car to see what codes the check engine error is producing. I'm going to see how much one of these costs and buy one so that I'll never have to pay another bogus "diagnose" fee for the dealer to do it.

 

[coxmaster]

In the waiting room at Pep Boys some guy told me that we can purchase our own device that can be hooked up to the car to see what codes the check engine error is producing. I'm going to see how much one of these costs and buy one so that I'll never have to pay another bogus "diagnose" fee for the dealer to do it.

As somebody else said, just take it to Autozone. Most places will rent/loan you a OBDII scanner for <5$. In fact, they are usually free if you are just doing it in the parking lot

 

[punjabiplaya]

a full ODB scanner for your own personal use will be couple hundred, depending on manufacturer

 

[RKS]

$50

and maybe even cheaper if you can find a coupon. The best bet is to get it read/cleared for free at Autozone or Pep Boys.

 

[XZeroII]

If it seems fine except when you're stopped, then don't stop.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

As somebody else said, just take it to Autozone. Most places will rent/loan you a OBDII scanner for <5$. In fact, they are usually free if you are just doing it in the parking lot

Every autozone I've been to will go out and check it for you for free along with a printed out slip of all possible issues if you go in and simply tell them you need some codes pulled. I actually just did that yesterday.

Autozone FTW!

 

[angry hampster]

If your car shakes when you tap on the brakes then you have other problems as well.