The check engine light can be one of the most nerve-racking things to see while driving. It’s an indicator that something is wrong with your vehicle, but it doesn’t always tell you exactly what the problem is. So, what should you do when that dreaded light starts flashing? Is it still safe to drive, or should you pull over immediately? We'll explain the most common reasons so you can better understand when it’s safe to keep going and when you need to stop.
What Does a Flashing Check Engine Light Mean?
A steady check engine light usually signals a non-urgent issue like a faulty sensor or emissions problem that needs attention but may not be critical. However, a flashing check engine light is far more serious. It indicates a more severe problem, often related to the engine misfiring. Misfires can damage the catalytic converter, an essential (and expensive) component of your car’s emissions system.
Driving with a flashing check engine light is typically not recommended, as it signals that your engine is experiencing something severe, which could potentially leave you stranded or cause more costly damage.
How to Respond to a Flashing Check Engine Light
So, what should you do if you notice the check engine light flashing? The safest bet is to stop driving as soon as possible and have your car checked out by a professional. Continuing to drive could lead to more extensive damage, especially to vital engine components.
Here’s a quick guide to handling the situation:
- Pull over immediately: If you notice the flashing light while driving, find a safe place to pull over.
- Assess the situation: Are there any other symptoms like strange noises, reduced power, or rough idling? These are indicators of a serious issue.
- Call for help: It’s best not to drive your vehicle any further. Call a tow service to avoid making the problem worse.
Ignoring a flashing check engine light could result in major engine damage, and repairs could end up costing you much more than if you address the issue right away.
Common Causes of a Flashing Check Engine Light
A flashing check engine light can be caused by a variety of issues, many of which are related to engine misfires. Let’s take a look at some of the common culprits:
- Ignition coil failure: This component is responsible for providing the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in your engine. If it fails, you may experience misfires that can trigger the check engine light.
- Spark plug issues: Worn or faulty spark plugs can cause engine misfires, which in turn can lead to the light flashing. Regular maintenance and replacing spark plugs at the recommended intervals can help prevent this.
- Fuel system problems: Issues such as a clogged fuel injector or fuel pump failure can prevent your engine from getting the correct fuel mixture, resulting in misfires.
- Catalytic converter issues: A failing catalytic converter can trigger a check engine light, especially if the engine is misfiring and sending unburned fuel into the exhaust system.
In any case, once the check engine light starts flashing, it’s not a problem you can ignore. You’ll need to get your car inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
Can You Drive with a Flashing Check Engine Light?
While you might be tempted to keep driving when the check engine light is flashing—especially if your car seems to be running fine—it’s not worth the risk. The flashing light is your car's way of saying something is very wrong. In most cases, driving with a flashing check engine light can cause further damage and lead to costly repairs. Worse yet, it could put your safety at risk if the car suddenly breaks down while driving.
The best course of action is to stop driving and have your vehicle checked by a professional right away. If you're close to home or a repair shop, you might be able to drive slowly and carefully, but any distance beyond that is too risky.
What Happens If You Ignore It?
Ignoring a flashing check engine light can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Continuing to drive when your engine is misfiring could cause unburned fuel to enter the exhaust system, damaging the catalytic converter. Replacing this part can be costly, often running into thousands of dollars.
Driving with a misfiring engine puts unnecessary stress on other components, potentially causing further issues. The longer you ignore the flashing check engine light, the higher the chances of facing serious and expensive repairs.
Is your check engine light flashing? Don’t ignore it! Bring your car to Spectrum Car Care, where our expert team can diagnose and fix the problem before it turns into a costly repair. Call us today to schedule your inspection.