What will cause a flashing check engine light?
The check engine light is one of the most critical indicators on your vehicle's dashboard. While a steady light signals a less urgent issue, a flashing check engine light is a sign of a severe problem that requires immediate attention. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve seen how ignoring this warning can lead to costly repairs or even engine damage. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of a flashing check engine light and what you should do if it happens to you.
What Does a Flashing Check Engine Light Mean?
A flashing check engine light typically indicates a misfire in the engine. This misfire can cause unburned fuel to enter the exhaust system, which can lead to overheating and damage to the catalytic converter. Unlike a steady check engine light, which may point to less urgent issues, a flashing light is a warning that your vehicle needs immediate attention to prevent further damage.
Common Causes of a Flashing Check Engine Light
Several issues can trigger a flashing check engine light. Below are the most common causes:
- Engine Misfire: A misfire occurs when one or more cylinders fail to ignite the air-fuel mixture properly. This can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
- Faulty Ignition System: Problems with the ignition system, such as a failing ignition coil or worn-out spark plugs, can lead to incomplete combustion and trigger the light.
- Fuel Delivery Issues: A clogged fuel injector or a failing fuel pump can disrupt the proper flow of fuel to the engine, causing misfires.
- Vacuum Leaks: A vacuum leak can cause an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture, leading to engine misfires and a flashing check engine light.
- Damaged Catalytic Converter: If unburned fuel reaches the catalytic converter, it can overheat and become damaged, which is both costly and harmful to your vehicle's emissions system.
Each of these issues can escalate quickly if not addressed, potentially leading to more severe engine damage or even complete engine failure.
What Should You Do If Your Check Engine Light Is Flashing?
If your check engine light starts flashing, follow these steps to minimize damage and ensure your safety:
- Reduce Speed: Slow down and avoid hard acceleration to reduce the strain on your engine.
- Check for Other Symptoms: Pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or loss of power, as these can provide clues about the underlying issue.
- Pull Over Safely: If possible, pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine to prevent further damage.
- Call a Professional: Contact a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin's Autos, to have your vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
Ignoring a flashing check engine light can lead to costly repairs and even compromise your safety. Acting quickly can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Conclusion
A flashing check engine light is not something to take lightly. It’s a clear signal that your vehicle is experiencing a serious issue, often related to engine misfires or fuel system problems. At Kevin's Autos, we recommend addressing this warning immediately to avoid further damage and ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable. If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert diagnostics and repair services. Your car’s health is our priority!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will low oil cause engine light to flash?
Yes, low oil levels can cause the check engine light to come on in your vehicle. While the check engine light is often associated with issues related to the engine's performance or emissions, low engine oil can lead to insufficient lubrication, which can trigger various sensors and result in the light activating.
How do you clear a flashing check engine light?
Locate the negative battery cable, which is usually located under the hood of your vehicle. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal. Wait for at least 30 seconds before reconnecting the cable. Once you have reconnected the cable, the check engine light should be reset.
Will a bad transmission cause a flashing check engine light?
Often (though not always) a faulty transmission will trigger an engine diagnostic code and trip the Check Engine Light to let you know. Same goes if your engine overheats because of a bad transmission. Problems with a solenoid, speed sensor, slippage, and more can cause the Check Engine Light to come on.
Why is my check engine light flashing and car sputtering?
Usually, when the check engine light is flashing and the car is sputtering and shaking, that means you're dealing with an engine misfire serious enough to possibly damage the catalytic converter and in most cases the PCM/ECM will kill the injector to prevent that.
Why is my check engine light blinking and idling rough?
The most common cause is any defects in the ignition system. Another popular culprit is a faulty fuel system. These may involve swapping out pricier parts such as fuel injectors. The third possible explanation for engine misfires is an internal engine problem.
What is the most common cause of a flashing check engine light?
While the check engine light can definitely be indicative of serious problems, the most common cause of the flashing is usually an engine misfire.
Can I drive my car with the check engine light blinking?
If the engine light is flashing, it's best to stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so. Continuing to drive can cause further damage to the engine or other components, leading to more expensive repairs. In general, you should: Pull Over Safely: Find a safe place to stop as soon as possible.
Will low transmission fluid cause check engine light to flash?
A trouble code or dash light does not necessarily mean the transmission fluid is low, but a low transmission fluid level will cause the check engine light to illuminate on most modern vehicles. If the light comes on, get your vehicle into a repair facility as soon as you can to get a proper diagnosis.
Why is my check engine light blinking then stops then turns off?
A flashing check engine light that periodically disappears indicates a potentially serious problem with your car. It may be something minor, but it's an issue that needs investigation fast. Often, this is a wiring problem, but it can also be triggered by a misfire problem or issues with your vehicle's emissions system.
Can bad spark plugs cause a flashing check engine light?
In today's cars, if a spark plug fails and can no longer ignite the air-fuel mixture, then the most obvious event should be the check engine light coming on or even flashing. A flashing engine light could indicate potentially catastrophic misfires, which could damage the catalytic converter(s).
