If your check engine light flashing, it’s important to take action right away. A flashing light means that there is a serious problem with your car and you need to get it checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring the warning could lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road. Here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue and get your car back up and running safely.
What Does A Flashing Check Engine Light Mean?
A flashing check engine light means that your car’s engine is in serious trouble. The light could be indicating a misfire, an issue with the catalytic converter, or a problem with the oxygen sensor. Whatever the issue, it needs to be addressed right away.
Causes Of A Flashing Check Engine Light
There are a few different things that could cause your check engine light to start flashing
1. Evap Trouble Codes
If the light is flashing and you have an EVAP system (emissions control), there may be a problem with the seals or hoses. This could be a minor issue, or it could be something more serious.
2. Internal Engine Problem (Rare)
In very rare cases, a flashing check engine light could indicate an internal engine problem. This could be something like a blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder. These problems are serious and need to be addressed by a professional mechanic right away.
3. Misfires On One Or Several Cylinders (Most Common)
One of the most common reasons for a flashing check engine light is a misfire on one or more cylinders. This could be caused by a problem with the spark plugs, wires, or coils. It could also be caused by dirty fuel injectors or low fuel pressure. Whatever the cause, it needs to be fixed right away to avoid further damage to the engine.
4. Boost/Overcharging Problems
Your check engine light is flashing and you have a turbocharged or supercharged engine, there may be a problem with the boost system. This could be caused by a leak in the intercooler, a bad wastegate, or a problem with the air intake.
5. Exhaust Emission Problems
Another common reason for a flashing check engine light is an exhaust emission problem. This could be caused by a leak in the catalytic converter, a blockage in the exhaust system, or a problem with the oxygen sensor.
6. Faulty Spark Plugs/Coils
This is a common issue that is often caused by normal wear and tear. The good news is that it’s usually an easy and inexpensive fix.
7. Faulty Crankshaft/Camshaft Sensor
These sensors are responsible for sending signals to the engine control unit (ECU). If they are not working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems.
8. Faulty/Bad Injectors
Dirty or faulty injectors can cause a misfire. This is often caused by buildup on the injectors or a problem with the electrical connection.
9. Low Fuel Pressure
If the fuel pressure is too low, it can cause a misfire. This is often caused by a clogged fuel filter or a problem with the fuel pump.
10. Faulty Egr Valve
The EGR valve helps to regulate the amount of exhaust gases that are recirculated back into the engine. If it’s not working properly, it can cause a misfire.
11. Low Compression
If the compression is low, it can cause a misfire. This is often caused by a problem with the piston rings or valves.
12. Engine Misfiring
Misfiring can cause all sorts of problems. This is often caused by a problem with the spark plugs, wires, or coils.
13. Engine Overheating
If the engine overheats, it can cause a misfire. This is often caused by a problem with the cooling system.
14. Faulty Engine Cooling System
The engine cooling system is not working properly, it can cause the engine to overheat. This is often caused by a problem with the radiator, water pump, or thermostat.
15. Faulty Engine Sensors (Exhaust Temperature Sensor, Air Temperature, Coolant, Etc.):
Any of the engine sensors are not working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems.
How To Diagnose A Flashing Check Engine Light?
If your check engine light is flashing, it’s important to diagnose the problem as soon as possible. The first step is to connect a diagnostic tool to the vehicle’s OBD-II port. This will allow you to read the trouble codes and help narrow down the problem.
Once you have the trouble codes, you can use them to help diagnose the problem. However, keep in mind that the trouble codes are just a starting point. They can often point you in the right direction, but they don’t always give you the whole picture.
If you’re not sure what to do next, it’s best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. They will have the experience and knowledge to properly diagnose the problem.
Check Engine Light On Vs. Check Engine Light Flashing
The main difference between a check engine light that is on and one that is flashing is the severity of the problem. A check engine light that is on usually indicates a less serious problem, while a flashing check engine light means there is a more serious issue.
A check engine light that is on steady usually indicates a less serious problem, such as a loose gas cap or a problem with the evaporation system. On the other hand, a check engine light that is flashing usually indicates a more serious issue, such as an engine misfire.
If your check engine light is on steady, you may be able to continue driving for a while. However, if your check engine light is flashing, you should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light can cause further damage to the engine.
When in doubt, it’s always best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repairs. They will have the experience and knowledge to properly diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
>>> Related: Check engine light to come on after an oil change
Why Check Engine Lights Are Important
Check engine lights are important because they help indicate when there is a problem with your vehicle. If you ignore a check engine light, it could lead to further damage to the engine.
It’s important to remember that the check engine light is just a starting point. The trouble codes can often point you in the right direction, but they don’t always give you the whole picture.
If you’re not sure what to do next, it’s best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. They will have the experience and knowledge to properly diagnose the problem.
How To Reset Check Engine Light?
There are a few ways to reset the check engine light. The most common way is to use a diagnostic tool. This will allow you to read the trouble codes and help narrow down the problem.
Once you have the trouble codes, you can use them to help diagnose the problem. However, keep in mind that the trouble codes are just a starting point. They can often point you in the right direction, but they don’t always give you the whole picture.
If you’re not sure what to do next, it’s best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. They will have the experience and knowledge to properly diagnose the problem.
Another way to reset the check engine light is to disconnect the battery. This will reset the light, but it will also clear any stored codes. This means you won’t be able to use the codes to help diagnose the problem.
FAQs About Check Engine Light Is Blinking
How Much Does It Cost To Repair An Engine Misfire?
The cost to repair an engine misfire will vary depending on the cause of the misfire. However, it’s typically a fairly expensive repair. If you’re not sure what to do next, it’s best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repairs.
Can I Drive With A Flashing Check Engine Light?
If your check engine light is flashing, you should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light can cause further damage to the engine.
Why Is My Car Shaking And Check Engine Light Flashing?
If your car is shaking and the check engine light is flashing, it’s usually a sign of a serious problem. It’s best to pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Continuing to drive could cause further damage to the engine.
How Long Can You Drive With A Blinking Engine Light?
If your check engine light is blinking, you should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with a blinking check engine light can cause further damage to the engine.
What Does It Mean When Flashing Check Engine Light Then Stops?
If your check engine light is flashing and then stops, it’s usually a sign of a serious problem. It’s best to pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Continuing to drive could cause further damage to the engine.
Conclusion
Check Engine Light Flashing If your car’s check engine light is flashing, that means there is a misfire and the car is running on fewer cylinders than normal. This can cause damage to the catalytic converter, so it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Thanks for reading and Answer The Question hope this post was helpful!
