Really worried about my car, NEED HELP!!!!

okay so earlier today i got on it a little bit and i noticed that my "service engine soon" light was flashing on and off, then it just stayed on. So i parked my car and let it cool down for a few hours. I started my engine and drove it around, the "service engine soon" light was still on. I got on it a few more times just to get a feel for what may be wrong. Under somewhat hard acceleration my car starts making a loud "purring" noise(dont know how to describe it). i looked under the hood to find nothing visibly wrong. I have a 4" PVC intake, i thought it may be that or hopefully my plugs arent firing of something cheap. Im really worried about my car. Its my only means of transportation, and im currently jobless so i dont have money to fix it. Please help if you have any idea what this may be. Thanks

wow man..sounds near the same thing that happened to me. except mine was shiftin wrong. i have no job...and know 0 people down here that could help.

all i know is sum1 posted somethign the other day about flashing service light is that it means immediate attention. good luck man. sorrry.

Get the code read. Probably a misfire.

Depending on the model year of your Riv (PLEASE ADD THIS INFO TO YOUR SIGNATURE!!!), most auto parts stores will read the codes for free and give you the info. Report back when you have more details.

well...sounds like something what has happened to my car TWICE!

1st time
was the fault of wires (missfire in one cylinder)
2nd time was the coil (missfire in two cylinders)

whit 1 cylinder off..it still accelarates but vibrates like this:
thats what mine did.