Check Engine Light Flashing: Meaning, Causes, and Fixes

Check engine light is a part of vehicle OBD-II. It illuminates when the computer detects an issue with the engine, transmission, emissions or other related components. But what does it mean when the Check Engine Light Flashing? In this blog you will know the reasons, meanings, and solutions to fix this issue.

Common Reasons for Check Engine Light Flashing

1. A Loose or Defective Gas Cap: Fuel vapor leaks from a loose, broken, or missing gas cap may cause the indicator to illuminate.

2. Problems with Oxygen Sensors: The oxygen sensor gauges the amount of oxygen in your exhaust; a malfunction could have an impact on emissions and fuel economy.

3. Issues with Catalytic Converters: This part lowers hazardous emissions. You will notice that a check engine light has come if it doesn’t work.

4. Ignition Coils or Spark Plugs That Are Defective: These are in charge of starting the engine’s air-fuel mixture; malfunctions here may result in misfires.

5. Mass Airflow Sensor Failure: The MAF measures the air entering the engine. A malfunction can impact performance and fuel economy.

6. EGR Valve Issues: Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve reduces emissions and a fault can lead to increased pollution.

7. Faulty Thermostat or Overheating: Issues with engine temperature regulation can trigger the check engine light.

These were the reasons Why your check engine light is on. Now, let’s move forward towards What does it mean?

Check Engine Light Meaning

1. Minor Issue: Sometimes, it is due to something minor issues like a loose gas cap.
2. Moderate Issue: When there is a problem with sensors or components like oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors or spark plugs.
3. Severe Issue: Severe issue is when it is a major engine misfires, catalytic converter failures or transmission issues.

Engine Light Refers To:

Steady Glow: If it is a steady glow light on engine then it indicates a less urgent issue but still requires attention soon.

Flashing: If check engine light is flashing then it is serious issue that needs immediate inspection, such as an engine misfire, which could damage the catalytic converter.

After knowing that what light indicated and its meaning, we should move toward resolving this issue. There are few things you can try before sending the car to the mechanic.

How to Fix a  Flashing Check Engine Light?

Step 1: Examine for Easy Reasons

Tighten Gas Cap: The CEL may be activated by a damaged or loose gas cap. After tightening it, the light may take some time to reset.

Inspect Visible Issues: Look for disconnected or frayed wires under the hood.

Step 2: Identify Issue

Put an OBD-II scanner to work: Simply connect the scanner to the second-generation on-board diagnostic connector, which is often found next to the steering wheel beneath the dashboard. You could attempt to get the trouble codes back. To interpret these codes, use the scanner’s manual or internet resources.

Visit a Mechanic: A lot of car parts stores provide free diagnostics if you don’t have access to a scanner.

Step 3: Address Specific Issue

Common Repairs Based on Codes:

• Loose Gas Cap: Tighten or replace it.
• Oxygen Sensor: Replace it if faulty.
• Mass Airflow Sensor: Clean or replace.
• Spark Plugs/Ignition Coils: Replace if worn out.
• Catalytic Converter: Try Repairing or replacing, if required..
• Vacuum Leak: In the vacuum lines you can repair any leak.

Light Reset

Once the issue has been resolves, you can either use the OBD-II scanner or disconnect the car battery for a short while to reset the engine light. The light will come back on if the issue continues.

Step 4: Prevent Future Issues

Keep up with regular maintenance, such as oil changes and replacing air filters. Address minor problems promptly to avoid escalation.

You should refrain from driving the automobile and have it towed to a repair to get the issue fixed if the check engine light is blinking or if the vehicle is performing poorly.

Conclusion

In summary, we conclude that if you are facing check engine light flashing or blinking issue then you should first identify the cause and try to solve the problem by your own. These problems could be easily solved without spending money; if you tried everything and check engine light is still there then tow it to repair.