2001 Taurus SEL Check Engine Light

Hi all,

I own a 2001 Taurus SEL (w/3.0L 24V DOHC) with 66,000 miles.

In July of 2005, the check engine light went on. The check engine light
would also blink when idling in traffic for short periods. The engine felt
like it was going to stall when the check engine light was blinking. I took
it to dealer #1 and they told me that the compression in cylinder #4 was low
and that they would have to take apart the engine and the cost would be at
least $1,500 just to find out what is wrong. So I then went to dealer #2
(where I originally bought the car new) and had them look at the car without
telling them what I had found out at dealer #1. Dealer #2 replaced the
spark plug and said it was fixed. I drove from the dealer about one mile
and the check engine light came on again so I drove right back to the
dealer. They then replace the wire harness and apparently this fixed the
problem. They also said the compression was fine.

Well, the car ran fine for a year, but the check engine light is on again
and it blinks when idling for short periods. So, I took it to dealer #2 and
they said the compression is low on cylinder #4 and that the Exhaust Valve
is sticking or burnt and it needs head work. They would need the car for
three days and it would cost well over $1,000.

Anyone know what is going on here and what I should do?

Is it dangerous to drive the car with the check engine light on or blinking?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

- tmarin7

Blinking indicates significant misfire. Don't know about dangerous (except
to our lungs, due to pollution), but the unburnt fuel will destroy the
catalytic converter and add another $1000 or so to the cost.

"tmarin7" wrote in message

> I own a 2001 Taurus SEL (w/3.0L 24V DOHC) with 66,000 miles.
....
> Is it dangerous to drive the car with the check engine light on or
blinking?