I was driving to work today, and everything was normal starting up. I had just filled up with a new tank of 87, and had no sign of trouble. Midway through my drive to work, the check engine light came on and started to flash, I also had a simultaneous loss of power. I was cruising at 45 taking it easy at the time. The loss of power came and went a couple times, and then everything was back to normal, except the check engine light quit flashing and stayed on. I had an uneventful drive the rest of the way to work, but the light never went out.
I am at 55,000 mi.
K&N Air Filter
GIbson swept side 3" exhaust
original sparkplugs (I plan to look at them when I get off work)
original O2 sensors, PCV,
recent oil change

In other vehicles I've owned, a check engine light was often related to emissions problems, but I have never seen the light flashing before. That is what intrigues me.
Anyone else had that happen?

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'98 SC XLT 4.2
4x2 3.55 ls
Gibson 3" cat back
K&N filter (who doesn't?)
Cpt. chairs, and those oh so cool auto headlights.
Factory door steps to get my pants dirty

 

Have you checked that your gas cap is fully closed? This can happen if the cap is loose and the fuel system is not sealed. First place I would look based on your info.

Good Luck.

 

A flashing check engine light has NOTHING to do with the fuel cap as stated. A FLASHING light means there is a severe missfire. (possibly leading to catalyist damage) Have it checked out.

 

Well, no problems with the spark plugs, they all look normal. I will probably replace them anyway, I have never believed the 100,000 mile before tune up theory. I have had no reoccurance of the problem, but me being a worry wart will probably drive me to take it in for a diagnostic.

Thanks

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'98 SC XLT 4.2
4x2 3.55 ls
Gibson 3" cat back
K&N filter (who doesn't?)
Cpt. chairs, and those oh so cool auto headlights.
Factory door steps to get my pants dirty