i just noticed today on my way home that my car was shaking a little bit shortly after that my check engine light flashed a few times then stopped. when i got home and got out i noticed a sweet smell. i noticed no smoke but i could hear a kind of gurgle sound in the exhaust. what could possibly be my problem?

 

Flashing MIL = catalyst-damaging misfires occurring as it flashes

Cats don't make a sweet smell in my experience so maybe 2 faults. Seems a bit unlikely.

 

+1 Jag V8 - Flashing engine light equals a misfiring cylinder or multiple mis firing cylinders. That would clearly explain the shaking you felt. When the engine light flashes the misfire detection is readily apparent.

You need to get an OBDII reader to see which cyilinder(s) are affected. The code you should look for is: P030X - X standing for the cylinder...1, 2, 8, etc

That will give you a starting point. Coils are highly suspect to firing intermitently when they are on their way out. It's not that the coil won't fire but it's the duration of the arc that fails, causing the misfire.

Finally, if it is a coil related issue - get a good quality replacement coil, not those cheap ones on Ebay. Good Luck.

 

OP got good advice. Coils and battery must be checked.

 

OUCH!!...
Sometimes a "sweet smell" can be anti-freeze, leading you to surmise that it could be a headgasket. But if the misfire and shaking stopped, then I would whole heartedly concur to the other members advice.

Good Luck
Fast Freddie

 

Check the engine for coolant leaks. MUCH more likely than a head gasket problem. If worried you can test the coolant for combustion gases with a cheap kit.
.
.
.

 

definitely not a coolant smell, just dealt with that issue 6 months ago. my first thought was also misfire but 3 months ago i replaced all the plugs and 2 coils because it was misfiring. it shook a lot more when it was misfiring. it could still be that but the smell was something ive smelled before when a friends head gasket blew out. but im wondering if it could possibly be the catalytic converter as well, do they give off a funky sweet smell?

 

Mshrull9988 - Just because you recently changed the coils doesn't mean one of them crapped out or is working intermittently. You should get an OBD II reader and see what code(s) you have - if when changing the coils there was any evidence of oil on them - this condition will severely shorten the life of a new coil - I wish you the best to getting to the bottom of your issue. To add, I believe Cat Converters give off a rotten egg smell - I could be wrong as fortunately, the last cat converter that went south on me was installed in my 1976 Trans Am - the pellet type one...