Apenas83

Ok my friend has a 2002 chevy malibu her brother changed the oil on the car like two weeks ago im not sure what weight or type of oil he put in a few days later her car started acting funny the engine sputters when she comes to a red light and seems to want to turn off then when she reaches like 45 mph the check engine light starts to flash and blink im thinking its her fuel filter or spark plugs but im gonna be honest i have only changed brakes on a chevy i know how to work on my honda or toyota but im ignorant to this type of vehicle and i dont want to replace parts that dont need replacing so please any advice tips or ideas will be greatly appreciated i know theres a lot of intelligent people on these forums thanks everyone.

EinST

I doubt it's related to the oil change. The blinking malfunction indicator means a misfire (serious business since the unburned fuel can damage the catalytic converter). Get it scanned and post the trouble code(s) along with the freeze frame data, if you can.

Apenas83

thanks but i have one question will it scan if the check engine light isnt on cuz it only comes on when shes driving that fast

EinST

Are you sure? I'd expect the indicator to stay on after blinking. A critical event like that don't get reset that fast.

Apenas83

yeah i was driving with her saturday night and as soon as we got on the freeway and she told me to look once she hit like 45 mph the light was blinking like real dim though

EinST

I don't like the "real dim" part like an electrical problem. Still, see if you can read out any code(s), historical, pending, whatever, or get it checked out at a shop.

Apenas83

thanks i really appreciate it im gonna run the scanner on it then i will post if i get any codes