The check engine light could mean a lot of things. We’ve covered why your Check Engine Light should be blinking and what to do if it’s on solid.
But are you ready to tackle a blinking light? In this article, we will do our best to diagnose Why is the Check Engine Light Blinking?
Why is the Check Engine Light Blinking?
There are many reasons why the check engine light would be blinking. It could be a sign that the engine is misfiring or a problem with the emission control system.
It is vital to have the vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause of the problem.
Below we will discuss some of the reasons why the engine lights are blinking. So, let’s get started without delay.
Spark Plugs
A blinking check engine light usually indicates a misfire in the engine. The engine light may be blinking due to a spark plugs problem.
Possible causes of an engine light blinking are:
- A spark plug is fouled and needs to be replaced.
- The spark plug gap is too wide and needs to be adjusted.
- When the spark plug is damaged and needs to be changed.
Ignition Wires
If your check engine light is blinking, it could be an indication that your ignition wires are causing a problem.
Worn out ignition wires can cause misfires, which can, in turn, cause your check engine light to come on.
If you think your ignition wires may be the problem, it’s a good idea to take your car to a mechanic to have them checked out. They can test the wires to see if they’re causing the problem.
When they are, replace them with new ones. If you keep up with regular maintenance on your car, it’s less likely that you’ll have problems with your ignition system.
Fuel Injector Problem
One potential cause for the check engine light blinking is a problem with the fuel injectors.
Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering a precise fuel to the cylinders. If they are not working properly, the engine will not run correctly.
In some cases, the fuel injectors might be clogged or leaking, which can cause the engine to run lean (too much air in the mixture) or rich (too much fuel).
Then the check engine light may be blinking.
Oxygen Sensor Problem
Another potential cause of the check engine light blinking is a problem with the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust.
If it is not working properly, the engine will not be able to adjust the fuel mixture accordingly. This can lead to poor fuel economy and increased emissions.
Cylinder Head Problem
A few things can cause the check engine light to blink. One is a loose gas cap.
Another is a problem with the cylinder head. When the light is blinking, it means that there is a problem that needs to be fixed.
If the light is blinking, it means that the problem is more serious, and you should take the car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
Besides, if you notice that the light is solid, which means that the problem is less serious, and you may be able to fix it yourself.
Exhaust Emission Problem
Your car’s check engine lights maybe blink if there is an exhaust problem.
When the lights are on, it means that the car is not running as efficiently as it should and emitting more pollutants than normal.
On the other hand, if you notice that the lights are hard, it means the car is running efficiently and is not emitting any contaminants.
After all, if the CEL (Check Engine Light) is blinking, it is important to take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible to have it diagnosed and repaired.
Continuing to drive with a CEL on can cause further damage to the engine and emissions system and lead to decreased fuel economy.
What to Do if the Check Engine Light Is Blinking?
When the check engine lights up, it indicates that the engine is misfiring. The most common cause of this is a spark plug that has gone bad.
But there are many more reasons for the check engine light to shine, which we have discussed above.
However, when the check engine lights up, you should first check the engine oil level. If the oil level is low, add oil to the engine and see if the engine light goes out.
If the oil level is OK, the next step is to check the spark plugs. If so, replace it and see if the engine lights go out.
Even then, if the check engine light is still on, the next step is to test the engine’s fuel system.
If the check engine light is still on, it is important to have the engine inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
FAQs
Is It Possible To Drive The Car With The Check Engine Light Blinking?
Yes, but it is not advisable. The check engine light indicates that there is a problem with your vehicle, and driving with the light blinking can cause further damage.
So, when you notice that your check engine light is blinking, you should take the car to the mechanic immediately.
How Do I Know If My Check Engine Light Is Serious?
As a rule of thumb, the more serious the red light, the more the problem. If the check engine light is flashing, that means that the problem is very serious and your engine could be damaged.
Besides, if the check engine light is just on, the problem is less severe, but you should still have it checked.
Final Thoughts
You already know that there are many reasons why the check engine light would be blinking.
It could be a simple issue like a loose gas cap or something more severe like a problem with the engine itself.
If the light is blinking, it’s essential to take the car to a mechanic to have it checked out as soon as possible. We hope that you find the article helpful.
