Check engine light on, burning smell, very slow

2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
178,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PLUXO
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I did an oil change by myself at 177,800 miles. It ran fine up until 178,200. Car ran fine today. Went to pick up my girlfriend from work and on the way home, my car just started to slow down. Kind of shook it a bit, like a tire was stuck. Then the CEL came on, went off, came on two minutes later, and went off. During that, there was a burning smell.

A few weeks prior, on our way home my battery and brake light was blinking really fast, but went off five minutes later. Has not done that since.

What could be wrong? I am going to go check my oil but I am lost at what to do.
Aug 26, 2018 at 12:59 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

Yes, check the battery voltage with a volt meter and let me know what voltage you have. You need 12.4 to 12.6 volts.

Also, the check engine light, did you have the code checked? You can have it checked for free at a parts store.

Once we know that, we can help you further with the issue.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator
Aug 26, 2018 at 3:40 PM
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PLUXO
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I just drove down the road. Starting my car is fine. Putting it into drive shakes very bad. Taking off is bad. Once I am going, does not seem to shake. Engine light remains on. Have not gotten code checked.
Aug 26, 2018 at 4:20 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, let me know when you have the code.

Roy
Aug 26, 2018 at 4:33 PM
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PLUXO
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Code: P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected.

Edit: Code is pretty straight forward. I am pretty sure it is just the spark plug since I have never had any issue with mixing gas but I am not going to automatically assume. Give me your professional opinion please.
Aug 26, 2018 at 9:06 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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301 is a misfire but could be many possibilities.

1. Plug.

2. Coil.

3. Low compression.

4. Injector and/or wiring. this could be the result of the small.

5. Vacuum leak.

6. Injector driver in the PCM.

7. Valve train issue.

Roy
Aug 27, 2018 at 1:45 AM
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PLUXO
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Thank you. I might just take this to a mechanic.
Aug 27, 2018 at 4:51 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, keep me updated with what they find.

Roy
Aug 27, 2018 at 5:33 AM
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PLUXO
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Can you give me an estimate of what this will cost? (Less expensive to most expensive) IE: Least it will cost is $20.00 if it is just the spark plug. Most will be $400.00 if it is the [insert whatever here].
Aug 27, 2018 at 5:37 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, $20.00 for a plug but if it is an internal issue, the worst possible scenario, around $1,500.00 to $1,800.00.

Roy
Aug 27, 2018 at 5:52 AM
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PLUXO
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https://www.2carpros.com/questions/transmission-shifting-rough-4704640
Could these two be related?
Aug 27, 2018 at 6:31 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Yes, a poor running engine will affect the operation of the transmission. With one cylinder down, it can cause a rough shift.

Once the engine is repaired and running correctly, give it a day or two to see if it gets better. The transmission has adaptive strategy and can learn how to shift correctly.

Roy
Aug 27, 2018 at 6:59 AM
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PLUXO
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One more question. Can you please help me check the spark plugs? I do not know where they are located on my vehicle.
Aug 27, 2018 at 7:26 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Remove the top rocker cover, two bolts.

Then remove the coils and the plug wires. Then you will have access to the spark plugs.

Roy

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Aug 27, 2018 at 8:08 AM
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PLUXO
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Update: Problem fixed. Everything sounded too complicated, so I took it to my trusted mechanic.

Problem: He is pretty sure it was the spark plug, but he said it ran rough so he replaced the ignition coil on one of them.

Solution: Replaced four spark plugs and one Ignition coil.

Cost: $269.56

Broken down: Four spark plugs - $28.40
1 Ignition coil - $155.51
Shop supplies - $4.60
Labor - $66.00 plus $1.00 Hazardous Materials
Tax - $14.05
Aug 28, 2018 at 3:06 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good, glad to hear you got it fixed.

Roy
Aug 28, 2018 at 3:15 PM
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PLUXO
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Thank you! Would have been $100.00 cheaper if I had the tools and supplies. Not only that but he gets instant delivered parts from the Parts City a town over, and they always jack up prices. $7.99 for a quart of oil. Does not surprise me.
Aug 28, 2018 at 3:18 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Yep, I hear you.

Move forward and be safe.

Roy
Aug 28, 2018 at 3:27 PM