Check Engine Light Flashing

Almost all vehicles have an electronic control module (ECM), which is a computerized engine management system. This module controls all the operations of engine and the transmission, facilitating a high performance of the engine and eliminating all the possibilities of emission. These electronic control modules have self testing capacities, which make us aware about engine troubles, as soon as they appear inside the engine. One of such indicators of the ECM is the sign of "check engine light". This light illuminates when there is a problem inside the engine. Before finding the answer of - what does a flashing check engine light mean, we need to learn about the location and function of the check engine light.

Check Engine Light
The check engine light is also called malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). It is an indicator of any malfunction in the electronic control module of the automobiles. Typically, the check engine light is found on the instrument console of the vehicles. In some older automobiles, the check engine light was used to be labeled as "engine" or "trouble", which indicated minor problems like overheating or low oil pressure inside the engine. The check engine light is generally of amber or red color, and it has two stages as a steady check engine light and check engine light flashing. A steady check engine light indicates minor problems, while check engine light flashes only when there is a serious problem in the computerized management system of the engine.

Causes of Check Engine Light Flashing
Reasons of check engine light blinking are different for each vehicle. But, a yellow or red light flashing is a serious cause of concern in itself, which is far more serious than a constant or steady check engine light. If you notice the light flashing when you drive the car in the city area, which goes off on a freeway, then you need to check for the overall performance of your vehicle in both the cases. If there is any problem in the performance and the mechanism of the car, then take the vehicle to the service center.

Engine Misfire
Check engine light flashing can be an indicator of misfire inside the car engine, which leads to catalytic converter damage, if not resolved soon. Along with the catalytic converter problem, check engine light blinking, can also be an indicator of a major problem in the emission control system of the engine. The emission control system consists of many active sensors that control the amount of pollutants, which are released by the vehicle. The flashing light can also be a denotation of dysfunctions in the oxygen sensors, which read the ratio of fuel and air inside the engine.

Spark Plug Wire
The aged spark plug wires become weak and brittle and lead to electric misfire inside the engine. Is your check engine light flashing and then getting steady, when you start the engine? If your answer is 'yes', then you need to turn off the engine immediately and check for the spark plug wires, using the OBD (on-board diagnostic) code. If the wires are worn out, then it is time to change them as soon as possible.

Loose Gas Cap
If the gas cap is not twisted correctly, then it can cause a check engine light flashing. In such cases, the check engine light blinking stops as soon as the gas cap is tightened. Sometimes, you may observe the light flashing or steady, for more than a day. In such situation, it is important to take the vehicle to the servicing center and let the experts determine the exact car problem.

It is important to not to confuse the check engine light with the maintenance light of the vehicle, that illuminates when the vehicle servicing is due.