The check engine light is one of the smallest yet most useful parts of your car’s dashboard that can start a panic attack in drivers. Have you ever been driving along and then all of a sudden that little light comes on? It’s unsettling, right? It could be your car’s way of warning you that something is seriously wrong with it; you will notice the check engine light flashing. Learning the meanings of these flashes can help you save your time and money and, perhaps most importantly, will help you stay safe on the road. Let’s explore and dissect so that you know what to do in case the check engine light comes on.
The Myst and Wonder of the Check Engine Light
This light is usually the first indication that there could be something wrong with your car. This light can therefore come on steadily or blink and these patterns are not the same. Thus, while a steady light is usually a sign of a small problem, a blinking check engine light is the opposite – it is a loud warning that something is very wrong. What could this mean? Let’s go under the hood and have a look at some possible offenders.
Did you know that since the year 1996, since the model year 1996 to be precise, this is because of EPA’s OBDII requirement, the check engine light has been mandatory in all the cars sold in the United States?
Causes That Can Lead to the Flashing of the Light
Do you think that your car is trying to tell you something, some sort of a code? When the check engine light flashes, your vehicle may be pointing at the engine misfires or major issues. Misfires occur when some part of the combustion process in your engine isn’t working as it should be. This results in incomplete combustion and makes your engine to miss – hence the flashing of the light. Among others, spark plugs, ignition coils, or even the fuel system may be having some issues.
Tip: It is always advisable to have a car manual with you at all times. It is a treasure trove of information as to what specific lights on the dash mean.
More Than Just A Blink
When this light starts blinking, then action should be taken immediately. If you do not attend to a flashing check engine light, then you may end up with more costly repairs. But don’t worry, let me explain what you need to do now. First rule: The very next thing you want to do is to pull over to the side as soon as possible in order to avoid further damaging the engine. It has been suggested that this should not be taken lightly since continued driving may end up damaging your catalytic converter, which is a costly automobile component.
Diagnosing the Problem
Okay, so you have pulled over, what comes next? Here is where the story becomes a bit more complicated, though, stay with me. There are a few ways that you can determine what is wrong with your car and the steps that you can take to solve it. The first step is therefore to connect an OBDII scanner to the diagnostic port of your car to access the fault codes. These codes will help you understand what is wrong with your car. In the present world of technology, there are even applications in your smartphone as well as devices which can aid this process at your convenience.
The second step is learning the meaning of these codes, which can be as challenging as breaking a spy code.
Common Solutions and Repairs
Your findings might point you in a few different directions. In some cases, it is a simple matter of changing the spark plugs or even the fuel cap might be loose. Other times it may be more serious problems which only a mechanic can tell, including those to do with the engine. Do not forget to seek professional assistance when you are not sure – your car and your stress-free experience are worth it.
Preventive Measures That can be Taken to Avoid Future Panic
Such warnings are similar to the ones we get when we ignore a good diet; proper car maintenance can help one avoid such lights. This includes regular oil changes, timely air filter replacements, and the use of good quality fuel which can prevent most of the conditions that may lead to check engine light flashing. Look at it as adopting the concept of forming a good mutual relationship with your car; it is as grateful as you are to it.
Did you know that the current cars may have as many as 150 microprocessors installed in them, all of which are connected to ensure that your car is working as it should!
Driving with a Peace of Mind
As much as the check engine light may blink and you get cold chills down your spine, it is crucial to address it as soon as possible and efficiently. Knowing that danger is nearby and being ready to deal with it is not as scary as it seems, it is just another cost of owning a car. Also, let me remind you the camaraderie among drivers; we have all been through that, so do not think that you are alone.
- It is always advisable to have an OBDII scanner around – These gadgets can come in handy to read trouble codes at your own time.
- It is also crucial to have a good mechanic’s contact –
- Car service scheduling is very necessary to extend the life of the car.
FAQs
Why should one not turn a deaf ear to a flashing check engine light?
If you do so, you may end up with a serious engine damage that would be expensive to repair.
Is it normal to continue driving with the check engine light on?
It is quite possible, however, it is strongly advised to turn to the diagnostics straight away.
Should a solid check engine light be left unattended for a while?
A steady light is a less severe condition than the flashing one, however, it is also not advisable to take it lightly.
Does a flashing light call for an immediate mechanical attention from a mechanic?
Yes, to avert severe damage to the vehicle.
Conclusion: Putting a Bow at the End of This Article.
The flashing check engine lights are not as threatening as they may seem, they are simply your car trying to speak to you. The most important rules are to be more often at car service, to use modern diagnostic methods and to turn to a professional in case of need. Let me remind you that there are other drivers on the road and they are also likely to encounter the same or similar problems that you have with the blinking dashes.
Last but not the least, let me thank you for taking the time to read through this article. We welcome you to visit our website anytime to learn more about vehicles and more. Thanks for all, and drive safely!
