Why is my check engine light blinking and my car shaking?
Few things are as alarming for drivers as seeing the check engine light blinking while feeling the car shake. These symptoms often indicate a serious issue that requires immediate attention. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve seen this problem countless times. Let’s dive into the possible causes and what you should do if you encounter this situation.
What Does a Blinking Check Engine Light Mean?
A blinking check engine light is different from a steady one. While a steady light often signals a less urgent issue, a blinking light typically indicates a severe problem, such as an engine misfire. This misfire can lead to unburned fuel entering the exhaust system, which can damage the catalytic converter and other components.
Why Is My Car Shaking?
When your car shakes in conjunction with a blinking check engine light, it’s often a sign that the engine is not running smoothly. This could be due to several reasons, including:
- Engine Misfire: A misfire occurs when one or more cylinders fail to ignite the air-fuel mixture properly. This can cause the engine to run unevenly, leading to shaking.
- Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils: Worn-out spark plugs or failing ignition coils can prevent proper combustion, resulting in misfires and vibrations.
- Fuel Delivery Issues: Problems with the fuel injectors or fuel pump can disrupt the engine’s fuel supply, causing it to shake.
- Vacuum Leaks: A vacuum leak can upset the air-fuel mixture, leading to rough idling and shaking.
- Clogged Catalytic Converter: If the catalytic converter is clogged, it can create backpressure in the exhaust system, causing the engine to shake and the check engine light to blink.
Each of these issues can escalate if not addressed promptly, potentially leading to more extensive and costly repairs.
What Should You Do If This Happens?
If your check engine light is blinking and your car is shaking, follow these steps:
- Pull Over Safely: Continuing to drive can cause further damage to your engine. Find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible.
- Turn Off the Engine: Shutting off the engine can prevent additional damage while you assess the situation.
- Check for Obvious Issues: Look under the hood for any visible problems, such as loose wires or damaged components. However, avoid touching anything if you’re unsure.
- Call a Professional Mechanic: Contact a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin’s Autos, to diagnose and fix the issue. Driving the car in this condition can worsen the problem.
- Use a Towing Service: If the car is undrivable, arrange for a tow to the repair shop to avoid further damage.
Taking these steps can help minimize the risk of severe damage and ensure your car is repaired correctly.
How Can You Prevent This Issue?
Regular maintenance is key to preventing problems that cause a blinking check engine light and shaking. Here are some tips:
- Replace spark plugs and ignition coils as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
- Keep up with routine fuel system cleanings to prevent clogs.
- Inspect and replace air filters regularly to avoid vacuum leaks.
- Schedule regular engine diagnostics to catch potential issues early.
By staying proactive with maintenance, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering this stressful situation.
Conclusion
A blinking check engine light and a shaking car are signs of a serious issue that should not be ignored. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing these problems to get you back on the road safely. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional assistance. Remember, addressing the issue early can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to drive with a flashing check engine light?
Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light can lead to significant and costly engine repairs. In this situation, it's critical to have your car towed to a repair shop to diagnose and fix the problem.
Why is my engine light flashing and my car running 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.
Why is my car shaking and engine light flashing?
A blinking Check Engine light means there's something seriously wrong with the emissions system. The shaking suggests you're having a misfire, which is dumping unburnt fuel into the exhaust, while making the engine shake. This is usually caused by a bad spark plug, ignition coil, or wiring.
Is it safe to drive my car if the engine is shaking?
If you begin to feel persistent shaking in your car, it's best that you get to the problem right away before continuing to drive. Continuing to drive with the shaking can result in further damaging parts, ruining your tires, and other costly problems that could be avoided by a quick trip to your mechanic.
Why is my engine light blinking and my car jerking?
The shaking and flashing check engine light could be caused by a variety of issues, including: Engine misfire Spark plugs or wires problems Loose or damaged parts Clogged fuel injectors Ignition system issue It is recommended to get your car inspected by a mechanic to diagnose the problem and make necessary repairs.
Why is my car shaking and the engine blinking?
Your car shaking when the check engine light flashes can be due to an engine misfire triggered by a damaged ignition coil or spark plug wire. You should pull over at a safe spot to prevent further damage and get your car checked ASAP.
Why is my car juddering when I drive and engine light flashing?
There are a range of reasons why your car is juddering at speed. Your vehicle could have dirty fuel injectors, a damaged fuel pump, a blocked catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, broken spark plugs, or even an accumulation of moisture.
Is car jerking a transmission problem?
If the jerking occurs during gear changes or acceleration, it's likely a transmission issue, such as slipping gears or low fluid levels. Conversely, if the jerking happens at constant speed or when idling, it may indicate engine problems, such as misfiring, fuel delivery issues, or ignition system failures.
What does it mean when my engine light is blinking and my car is shaking?
A blinking Check Engine light means there's something seriously wrong with the emissions system. The shaking suggests you're having a misfire, which is dumping unburnt fuel into the exhaust, while making the engine shake. This is usually caused by a bad spark plug, ignition coil, or wiring.
How much does it cost to fix a jerking car?
Repair Costs for a Car That Jerks When Accelerating
Fuel Injector Cleaning: $75 - $300. Air Intake System Replacement: $200 - $700. Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement: $350 - $600. Accelerator Cable Replacement: $175 - $575.
