Jump to content

Welcome to RennTech.org Community, Guest

There are many great features available to you once you register at RennTech.org
You are free to view posts here, but you must log in to reply to existing posts, or to start your own new topic. Like most online communities, there are costs involved to maintain a site like this - so we encourage our members to donate. All donations go to the costs operating and maintaining this site. We prefer that guests take part in our community and we offer a lot in return to those willing to join our corner of the Porsche world. This site is 99 percent member supported (less than 1 percent comes from advertising) - so please consider an annual donation to keep this site running.

Here are some of the features available - once you register at RennTech.org

  • View Classified Ads
  • DIY Tutorials
  • Porsche TSB Listings (limited)
  • VIN Decoder
  • Special Offers
  • OBD II P-Codes
  • Paint Codes
  • Registry
  • Videos System
  • View Reviews
  • and get rid of this welcome message

It takes just a few minutes to register, and it's FREE

Contributing Members also get these additional benefits:
(you become a Contributing Member by donating money to the operation of this site)

  • No ads - advertisements are removed
  • Access the Contributors Only Forum
  • Contributing Members Only Downloads
  • Send attachments with PMs
  • All image/file storage limits are substantially increased for all Contributing Members
  • Option Codes Lookup
  • VIN Option Lookups (limited)

Changed Spark Plugs And Check Engine Light Came On

sactown9

By sactown9
in 986 Series (Boxster, Boxster S)

 Share

Recommended Posts

sactown9 Member

sactown9

Posted
Posted

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Admin
Loren Member

Loren

Posted
  • Admin
Posted

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Lucky Member

Lucky

Posted
Posted
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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
1schoir Member

1schoir

Posted
Posted
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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 2 weeks later...
sactown9 Member

sactown9

Posted
  • Author
Posted

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!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
1schoir Member

1schoir

Posted
Posted
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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.