Expert: Robert Summers - 8/9/2008

Question
I'm on vacation 1000 miles from home.  Engine check light went on a few days ago with periodic rough idle.  Today engine check light started flashing and vehicle would hardly run.  I had it scanned ($90.00) and they said only every other cylinder was firing and that I need a tune up which they scheduled for tomorrow AM.  After leaving that repair shop, engine check light went out and the van has run smoothly all day.  What should I do?

Answer
Hi Priscilla... How many miles since last tune up, if it is less than 20 thousand  miles i wouldn't think you need one...a new fuel and air filter would never hurt....sounds to me like you have a connection problem somewhere. because the computer system runs on voltage less than 12 sometimes you get connections that over time get what we call the green gungies...it is corrosion build up in connections....have all computer related connections checked and cleaned...sounds like that kind of problem and cleaning sould clear it up.... hope this helps