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What causes the check engine light to flash?

What causes the check engine light to flash?

A flashing check engine light indicates a much more serious issue. Most often it means that the engine is misfiring and unburned fuel is getting into the exhaust system. This raises the temperature of the catalytic converter and can cause critical damage.

Why did my check engine light flash on and off?

When the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light starts blinking (as opposed to staying steadily illuminated), this means that a catalytic converter-damaging condition is occurring. When this Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light flashes, you should pull over safely and shut the vehicle off as soon as possible.

Can a blown head gasket cause misfire?

A head gasket that fails between cylinders will generally cause a misfire and perhaps few other symptoms. With a failure between cylinders, compression from one cylinder leaks into another. Lowered compression results in a rough idling engine.

How long can I drive with engine misfire?

Most cars can run up to 50,000 miles with a misfiring cylinder, and for that, your car should be literally designed to use tough cantankerous, easily replaced air-cooled four-cylinder engines.

Why is my car shaking and the Check Engine light flashing?

Check Engine Light Flashing and Car Shaking. Check engine light flashing car shaking is a clear sign of trouble. Vibration or shaking may be caused by misfires, poor fuel pressure, or faulty spark plugs. You should also know that a defective idle air control valve might make the engine idle drop significantly.

Why is your check engine light blinking?

Location. The check-engine light may be a graphic of an engine or similar icon,or it may contain the words “check engine” or “service engine.”

  • Flashing Light. Typically,a flashing light is more serious than a solid check-engine light.
  • Cause.
  • Loose Gas Cap.
  • Spark Plug Wires.
  • What does your check engine light mean?

    The check engine light is a signal that the onboard diagnostics system (or OBD II) has detected a malfunction in the vehicle’s emissions, ignition, fuel or exhaust systems.