On 10/13/04 11:06 AM, in article
eaadaf9c.0410130806.6821fb89@posting.google.com, "Tjacobs"
<thomas.jacobs@dva.state.wi.us> wrote:

> Thanks Curly:
>
> The engine check light comes on every few days (I reset it). I have a
> slight octane knock on acceleration/load in 5th gear. Increase in oil
> consumption in the last 20k miles from 2k miles per qt to 1.5k. These
> are all new problems. Otherwise there have been no change in MPG or
> drive ability (500 miles/week). The car (1998) has 100k miles on it
> and I have never touched it save for oil filters and tires. The good
> idea extends to replacing the battery and air filter and the fuel
> filter before I realized it is more difficult. Spark plugs come next
> and I am hoping they aren't frozen in the head. I will also be
> scheduling it to replace the timing belt. Since the fuel filter is
> difficult to replace I am inclined to ignore it until I have the belt
> replaced.
>
> The check engine light bothers me though since it is a regular
> occurrence in the last few weeks. This occurred at 30K miles and
> they replaced the O2 sensor. My next step may be to try to pull the
> code. More likely I'll just take it in for service and the belt. Any
> thoughts? PCV valve a possibility?

Your first step should be to pull the code. Anything else is shooting in
the dark (without a night vision scope).