What Does A Flashing Check Engine Light Mean

Why Engine Light is Flashing: What You Need to Know

In every house, cars play a significant role. It's helpful to travel with family and in style, saving the hassle of taking a ride from place to place. Is it always a safe ride? Not always, especially when your engine light is flashing. 

People often misunderstand the flashing engine light as a sign of a mechanical issue or due to excessive heat. The flashing of the engine light is a serious issue that requires prompt attention and action. 

Now, you are witnessing the engine flash but are not sure how to handle it? No worries. Let's dive into the blog to discover why it's essential to check engine light flashing, what the cause behind it is, and what needs to be done to prevent such situations in the future.

What Does Checking Engine Light Flashing Mean?

Every car driver faces a life-threatening situation when they see the flashing of an engine light. It indicates that the car engine is misfiring, where the cylindrical engine is not able to combust the fuel properly. It may be due to the vehicle overrunning or low oil pressure, which prevents the engine from burning fuel and damages overall engine performance.

If you plan to drive the vehicle for an extended period, inspect your engine condition and take appropriate action. When you notice a flashing check engine light in your car, step out of the vehicle immediately and contact a professional to handle the issue.

Reasons Behind The Car's Engine Light Flashing

A flashing engine light is not just a random sign but a severe issue that can cause your car to misfire. People are well aware of mechanical issues like tyre punctures and wheel malfunctions but fail to understand what does a flashing check engine light means. Here are a few reasons that cause the engine light to flash on the dashboard.

1. Misfiring Engine 

One of the main reasons for a flashing check engine light is a misfiring engine. Every vehicle requires a specific volume of power to drive, and the fuel is combusted within the engine to propel the car. However, when the engine can't run smoothly, a high volume of power is needed to make it work. That caused the engine to misfire.

Even an unchanged ignition coil, worn-out spark plugs, and a fuel gap can cause a misfiring engine. If it continues for a prolonged period, it can cause the catalytic converter to overheat, compromising the car's overall performance.

2. Ignition Problem 

The ignition system in the car provides the spark necessary for engine combustion. In general, the ignition system can withstand all the wear and tear on the spark plug to ignite the fuel. However, when it is left alone, and the engine's running never stops, it may create a gap in the ignition wires and distributor cap, triggering a misfire. 

The poorly maintained ignition coil overheats the engine system, causing it to run erratically and flashing check engine light. It requires immediate expert service to inspect the vehicle's condition and prevent further damage. 

3. Fuel Mixture 

The car engine balances the function between the fuel and air to provide smooth driving. When a car is used for an extended period without regular maintenance, the engine may become imbalanced, resulting in reduced fuel and air intake and slower vehicle acceleration. 

When the engine pushes to work and balance the fuel and air, it can cause a cylinder failure and lead to overheating of the system. A dirty fuel filter and weak fuel pump pressure can affect the engine, causing misfiring, which in turn leads to a check engine light flashing  on the dashboard. Check with the right mechanic or drive the car slowly until it is serviced.

4. Low Compression 

As mentioned earlier, the car engine requires a perfect balance between fuel and air in the cylinder to combust the fuel. When the pressure in the engine is mismatched, the balance between the fuel and air also collapses. The variation in pressure slows the car's acceleration and causes the jerking. 

5. Sensor Failure 

In modern cars, a separate setting has been provided to monitor engine operation. Sometimes, due to a malfunction, the sensor fails to detect oxygen and airflow data, resulting in poor fuel combustion and overburdening the engine.

6. Problem In Catalytic Converter 

The catalytic converter plays a vital role in converting the fuel to burn. When it fails, it reduces the overall performance of the vehicle and reduces fuel efficiency. When it malfunctions, the catalytic converter overburns, causing damage to the fuel filter and emitting high levels of gases. As the converter is already burnt out, it needs to be replaced to run effectively; otherwise, the car may overheat the engine and become unusable.

What Are The Immediate Steps that Need To Be Taken 

If you see the check engine light flashing, note any unusual engine sounds or an overburning engine smell, and just do the following without panic. 

• Move your vehicle slowly and steadily. To be avoiding undue pressure on the engine. 

• Then, get out of the car and check the engine to see if there is smoke from the exhaust or a foul odour in the engine.

• If you sense any of the symptoms, move away from your car and contact a professional mechanic to diagnose the vehicle.

If you do this, instead of driving your car, you can save your vehicle from further damage. 

How to Prevent The Flashing Check Engine Lights in Future

• Proper Maintenance: Schedule monthly services for your car to ensure its function. Replacing damaged spark plugs and cleaning the coils can improve the vehicle's performance.

• Use Quality Fuels: Opt for high-quality fuel if you're seeking prolonged car performance. Low-quality fuel and engine oil can damage the engine's function.

• Schedule a Diagnostic Check: Along with servicing your car, schedule the yearly diagnostic OBD check to assess the overall health of the vehicle.

Final Takeaway 

Driving your car is thrilling unless you see a check engine light flashing on your dashboard. Instead of ignoring it, pull over and inspect your car's condition. If you sense any burning smells from the engine or coil, contact a professional to handle the issue.

Follow all the advisable steps in the blog and monitor your car's function. The monthly service and yearly diagnostic of the vehicle help you save money and improve the vehicle's overall function.

Know your car's condition to avoid the check engine light's flashing signs!

FAQs

1. What does the flashing check engine light mean?

When the engine light flashes, it indicates a service issue with your car's engine, such as misfiring, which requires immediate attention.

2. Is it okay to drive with a flashing check engine light?

It is not advisable to drive with a check engine light flashing, as continuing to drive can cause further damage to your engine. It would be OK if you stopped the car and checked for a mechanic near you.

3. How to stop the car from misfiring its engine? 

If you are driving the car and it causes a misfire, pull over to check the engine condition. Check with your car mechanic to move further. 

4. How often does the car need to be serviced? 

Servicing your car monthly can help your vehicle to stay in good shape and to work effectively. Have a diagnostic OBD scan occasionally to determine your car's proper function.