check engine light only when under a quarter tank of gas

**jamie** · 09-16-2010

I have an 02 GTP. My check engine light flashes a couple seconds then goes out, only when accelerating hard to pass someone on the highway. But it only happens if theres under a quarter tank. It runs fine all the time even when the light flashes. The light stayed on once (solid, no flash) but i disconnected the battery and its out.
I am taking the car in but I would greatly appreciate anyones input before I go to the mechanic.

**SlowNA06** · 09-16-2010

Injectors, injector plugs on wire harness, fuel filter, fuel pump...

**gtpinsc** · 09-16-2010

yea ur definitely misfiring.

**TorqueAutoMotiv** · 09-16-2010

thats bad fix it now

**jamie** · 09-19-2010

Thanks for the replies guys.
The check engine light won't come on anymore, I let the gas get right down to where it usually is when the light will come on, I floored it on the highway a bunch of times and it won't do it anymore.
I don't know if i mentioned i just bought it a couple months ago. Anyway, I noticed yesterday there was oil leaking, I got under it and the oil filter was really loose (I turned it at least five times to tighten it!). I also put 94 octane instead of the 91 octane they have at most places. I don't know if either of these things helped the engine light from flashing (under 1/4 tank with full throttle only on highway) but it won't come on anymore.
I am still going to put new plugs and maybe wires too, also maybe a fuel filter. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. The car has 90000miles and I'm not sure whats all been done besides new tires,brakes,intake man. gasket.

**Sandman** · 09-19-2010

You HAVE to run premium on these cars, that was likely the problem if it stopped when you filled up with 94. Go ahead and do a full tuneup with a half of can of seafoam through the gas and the other half through the motor.

**gtpinsc** · 09-19-2010

yea u can do internal damage to these motors running less than 93.

**jamie** · 09-27-2010

Premium gas is only 91 octane everywhere except one place in Prince Albert SK.(Can.). It also says in the owners manual to run 91 octane. Anyway I'm glad I found the one place. I had the fuel filter changed, plugs and wires. Everythings good, except a tiny leak in the front valve cover gasket, nothing big. Thanks again!

**gtpinsc** · 09-27-2010

that tiny leak will get bigger.... possibly cause an engine fire.. there is a recall out on it. get it done for free. glad u got it running right

**brandonl2000** · 09-27-2010

i got (the same?) recall done on mine it was a fire safety thing and all they did was put plug wire retainers in. there was no valve cover gasket recall...if that's what you were referring to.

**gtpinsc** · 09-27-2010

been a few years... but im pretty sure they did the gasket on mine.

**Sandman** · 09-27-2010

The recall is for the valve cover

**brandonl2000** · 09-27-2010

well my valve cover must have already been done...
i know they just put some spark plug retainers in for the fire hazard.

**jamie** · 09-28-2010

Cool, didn't know about the recall. Is it for both valve covers. The back is a little damp but the front is worse. Either way its going in next Tuesday. Thanks for the tip guys!

**jamie** · 09-28-2010

Sorry guys, one more stupid question. There is a little bit of oil on the top side of the valve cover gathered in a spot by the intake manifold gasket. I think it is from the valve cover but could it be from somewhere else? Stupid question-does oil go thru intake manifold at all? I don't know alot but I'm trying to learn. It is absolutly oil, not coolant. The valve cover is an inch above it so I hope thats where its coming from.
Thanks again.