Changed Spark Plugs And Check Engine Light Came On

[sactown9]

I was wondering if someone out there might have experienced the same problem. Yesterday, I replaced coolant tank, spark plugs, and also changed the oil on my 98 Boxster (manual). However, when I started the car up, it started shaking a little. I then drove it around the block and the check engine light came on. The car started shaking and then shut down. The car does start up but I'm afraid to drive it to an auto store to get a diagnostic. Also, inside the car, when I get ready to start the engine, it makes a low spinning noise (like a dvd changer looking for a disk).

I think it has something to do with the factory NGK spark plugs I installed. I can't imagine it has to do with the oil change or the coolant tank. I did notice one of the Spark Plug Socket Connectors was slightly torn. Could this be the problem? If so, should I change out all 6? If this does fix the problem, will the check engine light automatically turn off? Appreciate the help. Thanks.

[Loren]

If you can get a code reader (or access to one) then it will tell which cylinders have the problem. If it is all of them then it could be plugs. More likely is that one or more of the spark plug coils is not properly connected or the insulator is cracked.

[Lucky]

I was wondering if someone out there might have experienced the same problem. Yesterday, I replaced coolant tank, spark plugs, and also changed the oil on my 98 Boxster (manual). However, when I started the car up, it started shaking a little. I then drove it around the block and the check engine light came on. The car started shaking and then shut down. The car does start up but I'm afraid to drive it to an auto store to get a diagnostic. Also, inside the car, when I get ready to start the engine, it makes a low spinning noise (like a dvd changer looking for a disk).

I think it has something to do with the factory NGK spark plugs I installed. I can't imagine it has to do with the oil change or the coolant tank. I did notice one of the Spark Plug Socket Connectors was slightly torn. Could this be the problem? If so, should I change out all 6? If this does fix the problem, will the check engine light automatically turn off? Appreciate the help. Thanks.

Funny. I changed my plugs Yesterday, too. Mine runs smoother & stronger than ever now. Sorry you are having problems.

From what you describe it appears at least one of your plugs isn't sparking now. Either one of the coil-on-plug units has gone bad or you have a bad wire/connector. The torn one could be the cause. I suggest you get the code read (buy a cheap reader or rent one) -- I don't recommend driving the car since you may damage a catalytic converter. The code will tell you which cylinder bank is misfiring, which will at least reduce the problem to one of three cylinders. If it is the side with the torn connector boot, then start by replacing that one.

Good luck.

[1schoir]

I was wondering if someone out there might have experienced the same problem. Yesterday, I replaced coolant tank, spark plugs, and also changed the oil on my 98 Boxster (manual). However, when I started the car up, it started shaking a little. I then drove it around the block and the check engine light came on. The car started shaking and then shut down. The car does start up but I'm afraid to drive it to an auto store to get a diagnostic. Also, inside the car, when I get ready to start the engine, it makes a low spinning noise (like a dvd changer looking for a disk).

I think it has something to do with the factory NGK spark plugs I installed. I can't imagine it has to do with the oil change or the coolant tank. I did notice one of the Spark Plug Socket Connectors was slightly torn. Could this be the problem? If so, should I change out all 6? If this does fix the problem, will the check engine light automatically turn off? Appreciate the help. Thanks.

If you fix the problem, the easiest way to turn off the Check Engine Light is to disconnect the battery negative cable for 1 minute (BE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR RADIO CODE FIRST) and then reconnect it.

Best not to do this until AFTER you have had the codes read, so that you will know exactly what the fault is.

Regards, Maurice.

[sactown9]

Thanks everyone for all your feedback. Taking everyone's advice, I went checked all the spark plugs again nd did find one that was not connected all the way. I've also replaced the socket connector that was slightly torn. Lastly, I disconnected the negative cable to the battery as Maurice suggested and the engine warning light went away.

Thanks again everyong for you help!

[1schoir]

Thanks everyone for all your feedback. Taking everyone's advice, I went checked all the spark plugs again nd did find one that was not connected all the way. I've also replaced the socket connector that was slightly torn. Lastly, I disconnected the negative cable to the battery as Maurice suggested and the engine warning light went away.

Thanks again everyong for you help!

Good job, Sactown!

Regards, Maurice.