What triggers the engine light to go on?

I took the car out for a spin and i floored it...and it didnt feel like it had its full power, when it got to about 4,000 rpm the engine started to cut out... like retard the timing...and then the engine light came on....could it be bad gas ? i just filled it up a few days ago, but never slammed on the gas..since that fill up i had only driven the car about 30 miles ...before that..no problems...if the engine is 'knocking' because of bad gas, will the engine light come on ?

Thanks guys.

Enrique


p.s. I'm going to have someone pickup the car Monday morning, anyone recommend a stealership in the bay area thats mod friendly ?

I'm located in Morgan hill, ca

 

Sounds like the plugs are bad. When they start to go south the car will flameout the plug and the car will see these as misfires. The misfires will close the throttle body to prevent damage and throw the check engine light.

What year is the car and how many miles?

 

2001
24,300 miles

i recently did the ECU flash/DV/K&N


Alex at Shark works recommended me i changed the plugs hmm... i think you may be right

 

You sir are due for a set of plugs! 01a used FR5s which are a real problem. After 01.5 they changed them to FR6.

I bet your codes so mutilple misfires. If so do the plugs. You will be set.

 

As mentioned spark plugs are shot, wait until you get new ones in there, night and day difference

 

Many thanks PorschePhd!...hopefully, first time taking the car for service, since my ownership. This should be fun!