Why Is My Check Engine Light Flashing?

A check engine light flashing is never something a driver wants to see while they are on the road. Unfortunately, it can happen, and a variety of things can be the cause of it. Our Fred’s Auto Repair team wanted to highlight some possible reasons for this flashing, and what you can do if it happens to you.

• Spark Plug

New models have spark plugs that can last a very long time; if you own an older car, a check engine light flashing problem could be a bad spark plug. If you have a bad spark plug, some of the indicators include bad idling, stalling, and poor fuel efficiency. While it’s fairly easy to swap a spark plug, always go with an auto shop that can offer services performed by ASE Certified technicians– which Fred’s Auto Repair does!

• Check Your Gas Cap

If you notice your check engine light is flashing, don’t panic, sometimes it may not be a serious issue. Be sure the second you notice the flashing light to first check your vehicle’s fuel cap. Something as simple as a missing, cracked, or even loose gas cap can send a false warning and cause the check engine light to go off. As an example, fuel escaping or air entering due to an open cap is picked up as a fuel mixture issue by your car’s oxygen sensors. Tightening or replacing the gas cap has a cost to repair of zero to maybe twenty dollars.

• The Airflow Sensor

With a bad airflow sensor, while you still may be able to drive your car, you will notice a drop in its performance and fuel efficiency. Luckily, if it is only an airflow sensor (as opposed to the actual air fuel mix in your ignition system), it will be a fairly easy and affordable fix. If you have an upcoming service at your local auto shop, you can ask them to inspect this if you suspect you may have an airflow sensor problem.

• Catalytic Converter

Unlike a simple fuel cap issue, if something is wrong with your catalytic converter, you will know. Such things as acceleration problems or dark, smelly exhaust can be warnings of a problem with the converter. Unfortunately, this type of engine misfire can often be expensive, and may even be more than the current sale price of your vehicle.

Our staff at Fred’s Auto Repair can always discuss your repair options, so you can be confident about the repair and options you have.

Come to Fred’s Auto Repair

Whether your check engine light is flashing, or you just need a simple oil change, we can handle all your auto maintenance and repairs. Call us at (914) 762-1131 to learn more or to request an appointment.