2000 Max 160K Miles - Blinking Service Engine Light

[spredthejam]

Hello All - I've been proudly driving my Max since 2003 and put 130 of the 160K miles on it myself.

Recently I've experienced puttering when idling and tonight, I just saw the blinking service engine light. Before I run to the mechanic tomorrow, I want to see if I can get some feedback from this site.

I've recently had the belts replaced and the tension adjusted. I've also had the RJR valve replaced, installed an altenator and new battery. Today I poured in some fuel injector cleaner.

Prior to the belt and tension work, my dashboard lights and headlights would dim on me. The battery sign would blink on me as well. The battery is maybe 10-15Kmiles old Then I had that work done but just tonight, I got a blinking Service Engine Light along with puttering out of the engine.

Your thoughts and help would be greatly apprecaited. I know I've got more years out of this car if I can just figure out what to do next.

I'm not sure if this plays a roll anywhere but my gas milage has not been as great recently either. I would normally get 310-325 (sometimes more) before the gas light would turn on. Now its 270-280. I know this off hand as I do a ton of highway driving.I was thinking about changing the spark plugs as my next step but am not sure.

THANK YOU!

[MinisterofDOOM]

What codes are showing?

[spredthejam]

I am not sure yet. I have to take it back to the shop and see what codes they give me.

[BOBCAT]

exhaust is where i put my money.

Mine used to come one, then turn off then it started to do it a little more continuously.Now it stays on.

I also noticed that i would get less gas milage and i had a loss of power. I have like no power now and am going to be getting a Y pipe to replace my preCat after i get back from vacation.

[Mike G]

I was once informed that if the CEL actually blinks, you should run to the shop... Now if it is just an on for a while and then off for a while, then there is something that is momentarily out of whack. For sure do the plugs and if your CEL is not blinking, stop by an auto parts store to see if they can pull any codes.

My dos pesos, --Mike

[BOBCAT]

exhaust is where i put my money.

Mine used to come one, then turn off then it started to do it a little more continuously.Now it stays on.

I also noticed that i would get less gas milage and i had a loss of power. I have like no power now and am going to be getting a Y pipe to replace my preCat after i get back from vacation.

My problem is the precat, that is the code that came up. It is not blinking, just poping on for a little while (severl days) then turning off for a couple days.