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It can be highly nerve-wracking when you’re on the road and your check engine light starts flashing. There are numerous problems that can cause this indicator light to appear; it can be difficult to determine the correct course of action if you are not familiar with the various causes and what you can gather from the specific way the light is flashing. A check engine light can indicate anything from fuel mixing to an ignition problem.
Our trusted technicians at Fred’s Auto Repair have provided a breakdown of everything you need to know when your check engine light is flashing. In this guide, we discuss the different types of illumination and what they mean, symptoms of engine misfires, possible causes, and much more.
Different Types of Illuminations and What They Mean
Although your engine is a key component of your vehicle’s functionality, the check engine light does not necessarily indicate a serious issue. When your check engine light starts flashing, it is important to note the way in which it lights up, as this will tell you what type of problem you are dealing with and how urgently you should be taking your vehicle into a mechanic for repairs. The following are the three types of illumination that a check engine light will present, and what they mean:
1. Continuous
If your check engine light is continuously lit up without any signs of flashing, or if it flashes briefly, followed by constant illumination, this is the sign of a minor issue which should be fairly straightforward to fix. This means you can continue safely driving to your destination before seeking out an auto maintenance service.
2. Intermittent
If your check engine light appears to repeatedly turn on for a brief period of time, and then turn off completely, this could be a sign of a small failure within the system such as a faulty wire. In this case, you should be able to safely come to a stop at your destination, however, you should book an appointment with a trusted mechanic as quickly as possible to ensure the problem does not persist or worsen.
3. Rapid flashing
If your check engine light is flashing rapidly, it is warning you of a major engine failure. In this situation, the car requires immediate attention. It is important to bring the vehicle to a stop as quickly as you can and have it taken to a nearby mechanic for inspection.
4. Engine Misfires
When your check engine light begins flashing, it is most often caused by a charging system misfire. The fuel, oxygen, and spark in your vehicle must operate in a specific order to power it properly. Unfortunately, if one of these three cylinders malfunctions, the entire system will suffer. This can quickly lead to subsequent cylinder failures and your vehicle may come to a stop while driving if you continue to operate it when your check engine light is rapidly flashing.
How to Know if You Have an Engine Misfire
One of the key signs of an engine misfire is an unusual sound coming from your engine. It may sound jerky and strained when you attempt to accelerate. This could also affect the way the car drives, and make the ride feel bumpy.
Another sign of an engine misfire is a strong smell of gas coming from your vehicle. This is an indicator that fuel may be leaking, which could seriously damage your cylinders if too much fuel seeps into the car’s oil. Additionally, you may notice the smell of sulfur coming from your exhaust pipe.
As previously mentioned, when starting the car, the combustion sequences in a specific order; if not, your ignition system is thrown out of balance. This imbalance can often present itself in the form of vehicle shaking.
In a fully functioning engine, the cylinders will provide the correct mixture of air and fuel in order to power the vehicle. If there is too much or not enough of one of these components, the vehicle will operate with a noticeable reduction in power.
Causes of an Engine Misfire
There are many potential causes of an engine misfire, which is why it is important to take your vehicle to a highly regarded mechanic in the event of this type of malfunction. Below we have listed the top five most common causes of an engine misfire:
- Oxygen sensor malfunction
The oxygen sensor is an important component of the engine, which constantly monitors the amount of oxygen mixed inside the exhaust. If this sensor is not working properly, the cylinders could be out of balance and your vehicle may leak, corrode, or break down unexpectedly.
- Open or broken fuel cap
If your fuel cap is left open by mistake, or if it is in need of repair, your engine may be receiving more air than necessary. This could lead to serious issues if the driver does not tighten the loose gas cap or repair the cap immediately.
- A problem with the catalytic converter
Your catalytic converter must function properly for your vehicle to convert harmful emissions into safe gases before they escape your vehicle through the exhaust system. Continuing to drive a vehicle with this malfunction is dangerous; were too many to drive this way, it would hurt air quality as well.
- MAF sensor malfunction
Similar to the oxygen sensor, the mass airflow sensor determines the correct amount of fuel to contribute to the air/fuel mixture.
- Burned spark plugs
Your mechanic should explain how often you will need to have your spark plugs changed. If they are left unchanged for too long, they may burn out, leading to a loss of power or an engine misfire.
Fred’s Auto Repair
If your check engine light is flashing, it is essential to identify the problem as quickly as possible so that you can keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. For engine maintenance and repair services along with many other highly rated auto services, contact us today at (914) 762-1131 or book an appointment online!
