[Help] Problem w/ car stuttering slightly and smelly exhaust

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dave_s

@comcast.net

[Help] Problem w/ car stuttering slightly and smelly exhaust

I think the problem might be the catalytic converter on my 1998 ford taurus because of the bad smell coming out of the exhaust pipe and the car is stuttering a bit.

Also the Service engine soon light is blinking on and off and won't stop while the car is running.

Does it sound like it might be the catalytic converter after hearing what I'm describing with the car?

I would just like to find out if it's likely this problem and around how much I can expect to pay (a fair price) to have it fixed.

Thanks very much.

to forum · permalink · 2009-07-05 18:16:00 ·

CylonRed
Premium,MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County

1 edit

Converter could be plugged and it could be it is running a very rich mixture which could have caused the problem. I assume the smell is a sulfer/rotten egg smell...

I would hazard to guess a new converter running at least $500 but that is based on my '89 Civic HB cost - it was just over $600 to replace.
--
Brian

"It drops into your stomach like a Abrams's tank.... driven by Rosanne Barr..." A. Bourdain

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· 2009-07-05 18:43:34 ·

3SGTE
ST215W
Premium,MVM
join:2000-11-23
there
clubs:

reply to dave_s
You have a misfire.

The misfire has likely destroyed your catalytic converter by this point.

Read your owner's manual. It will have instructions about what to do when the engine light is flashing (stop driving).

Basically, you need to fix the misfire and replace the catalytic converter. (2 repairs)
--
Striving for Parfection.

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· 2009-07-05 18:46:38 ·

dave_s

@comcast.net

reply to dave_s
I did stop driving the car as soon as I noticed the stuttering, bad smell and the light flashing, they all happen at the same time and I went right home.

I found my owners manual and it says nothing about the service engine soon light anywhere within its pages.

I'm planning on taking it to the repair shop asap and won't be driving it in the meantime.

Thanks.

to forum · permalink · 2009-07-05 19:03:53 ·

pmohr
Premium
join:2002-09-22
Oak Ridge, TN

1 edit

'98 Taurus owner's manual, page 8.

said by dave_s :

I found my owners manual and it says nothing about the service engine soon light anywhere within its pages.

Specifically note the bottom portion of the page.

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· 2009-07-05 20:10:03 ·

dave_s

@comcast.net

@ boredMDer

Thanks very much for the info. Believe it or not that page is absolutely not in my owners manual anywhere. I only have one little section in my manual that says if your service engine soon light comes on to have the vehicle looked at and nothing more. So I appreciate you posting that info.

to forum · permalink · 2009-07-05 22:16:09 ·


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