New spark plugs, CEL flashing and rough idle

[R1ckM]

Recently I decided to put some new spark plugs in my 89 325i, afterwards the check engine light on the dash was flashing and the idle was rough like it was not firing like it should be.

Any ideas on what could cause this?

I used autolite copper plugs, it did have the ngk ones in it. I went ahead and ordered some ngks to try them out and hopefully that will solve the issue.

I checked the spark plug wires to make sure they were all snug, torqued the spark plugs to around 18lbs. I don't see why this issue would happen unless the new plugs were junk or not the right kind. They seemed right from what the stores system had on file for the 89 325i.

[MR 325]

Is the check engine light flashing (bottom left of cluster) or the check light (center of cluster)?

Did you unscrew and remove the tips from the new plugs?

[R1ckM]

Its the CEL center on the dash cluster, I removed the thicker caps off the ends where the threaded tips are now exposed on the spark plugs.

[3vilE30]

Did you gap the new spark plugs?

[nando]

Its the CEL center on the dash cluster, I removed the thicker caps off the ends where the threaded tips are now exposed on the spark plugs.

the light at the center of the cluster isn't a check engine light. it's the check panel light.

[dnguyen1963]

the light at the center of the cluster isn't a check engine light. it's the check panel light.

Don't even respond to this...people should learn to read the Bentley manual before posting questions.

[R1ckM]

OK, like I read through the Bentley manual any time I have a little issue (guess forums would be a little obsolete then?). There was a problem with the plugs, which made the center check panel light flash. No it didn't go off when i taped the brakes.

The other plugs were just crap I guess. The NGKs work great and no issues at all.

This should go without saying but never use autolite brand copper plugs, they are junk. No clue why they sell and even suggest i use them....

[MR 325]

OK, like I read through the Bentley manual any time I have a little issue (guess forums would be a little obsolete then?). There was a problem with the plugs, which made the center check panel light flash. No it didn't go off when i taped the brakes.

The other plugs were just crap I guess. The NGKs work great and no issues at all.

This should go without saying but never use autolite brand copper plugs, they are junk. No clue why they sell and even suggest i use them....

They check light has nothing to do with how the engine runs or the spark plugs. The only engine related items it has anything to do with is oil level and coolant level (when those work correctly). I have used Autolite plugs in a pinch more than once without an issue but of course I prefer Bosch or NGK.

[dnguyen1963]

OK, like I read through the Bentley manual any time I have a little issue (guess forums would be a little obsolete then?). There was a problem with the plugs, which made the center check panel light flash. No it didn't go off when i taped the brakes.

The other plugs were just crap I guess. The NGKs work great and no issues at all.

This should go without saying but never use autolite brand copper plugs, they are junk. No clue why they sell and even suggest i use them....

That's what the manual is for. You come to the forum when you exhausted all options. People will be more willing to help you when they know that you have done a thorough investigation and still need help.

[R1ckM]

Thats fine, the issue worked itself out. The autolite spark plugs had bent tips on some of them, like they were welded on crooked. You all are always helpful and R3v is my go to for all my e30 needs.

So since the light was flashing after I put them in and not flashing after I put in the NGKs. Why was the light blinking when it doesn't have anything to do with ignition?

[dnguyen1963]

Take a look in the overhead panel to see which component is giving you the error.