2000 Toyota Corolla car shaking...CEL flashing

2000 TOYOTA COROLLA
102,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MICHAEL_R
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
When I started the car today evening, it started shaking pretty bad...after a couple min the check engine light came on. I drove around a block and the CEL started fllashing and the car was shaking all the while. I looked around on the internet and it looks like an engine misfire and it is not advisable to drive the car (with a flashing CEL->engine misfire) as it can damage the catalytic converter (I actually had it changed just a month ago!). My question is is it safe for the catalytic converter if I drive the car just to the auto shop for repair which is around 3 miles from my house or should I consider it getting towed? Please suggest..

Thanks for your help!
Nov 15, 2009 at 1:45 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 8,548 POSTS
I would tow it. if it is a complete misfire, the raw gas will overheat the convertor and possibly melt the catalyst.
Raw gas can also contaminate the oil.
Nov 16, 2009 at 12:41 AM
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