Slight misfire - Check Engine Light

[stevebeestin]

I purchased my first Boxster S a week ago - 2005 model.
This morning on my way to work, the engine developed a slight misfire, which then seemed to clear itself, but the "Check Engine - Drive To Workshop" light came on and stayed on.
Any ideas what this could be and, if so, is it a serious failure ? Am I OK to drive a short distance to my garage, or should I have the car recovered ?

 

[ibaker]

The Mass air flow sensor is always a good candidate - but you should really get your fault codes read before you do anything else.

 

[Motorhead]

Steve,

If the engine's misfiring, it could be a coil-pack failure but as Ian says a faulty MAF or lambda sensor are also possible causes. A diagnostic check is your best way forward in the first instance.

Provided the CEL isn't flashing, you're OK to drive carefully to your garage to get it checked out.

Jeff

 

[stevebeestin]

Thanks for your responses Ian & Jeff - the car is under warranty, I'm just waiting to be advised which garage they want me to take it to - I was just concerned about causing further damage by driving it, I have RAC cover - I'll get them to recover it, to be safe...

 

[stevebeestin]

And the prize goes to Jeff - coil pack failure !! But thanks to both you & Ian for the feedback...

 

[Motorhead]

The flat-6 engine layout on our cars means that the coil packs are always rather vulnerable to the elements Steve, positioned as they are on the underside of the engine.

It shouldn't be too difficult a task to replace the offending component and you'll soon be on your way again enjoying the good weather.

Jeff

 

[Chappelle]

Glad it's nothing more serious. My 05 Boxster has just been serviced by my OPC. Apparently one of the coil pack shows a hairline fracture. £30 for one of circa £140 for 6 from Design911. Might do it myself.......

 

[stephenbailey]

Hi
I had similar problem with my Cayman. Motörhead, buddy etc gave me a lot of top advise and turned out 5 out of 6 coil packs were shot, more damaged than hair line cracks though. I bought 6 Beth from car parts for less- through eBay and fitted them myself ( and I'm no mechanic )
Once you have car raised and plastic panels off its pretty straight forward
Good luck
Cheers. Steve

Coil packs were " Beth " not beth

 

[Fred Hindle]

Are they going to replace all six? If one has gone the others may also be in a poor state.

Cheers,

 

[stevebeestin]

Morning all, thanks for the feedback..

Cylinder 3 had failed, all the other coil packs checked & found to be OK, although in various condition - presumably due to staggered replacement over the years..

Took it for a long drive at the weekend - 130 miles - drove & sounded perfect !!!

Thanks for all the advice...