What happens when your check engine light comes on? What does this mean? Can I just ignore it? 

These are some of the most common questions and problems we get at DriveNation USA. When we buy vehicles, sometimes the Check Engine light is on. We hook a scanner up to it and get the codes. They range from simple emission codes, or gas cap codes to major engine and transmission issues. We fix the issue and the light goes out and we sell the vehicle. Sometimes the light comes on after you purchase and customers freak out! Lets dive in to the root cause and explain what it really means. 

Take a look at this guide to learn what a flashing check engine light means and what you need to do about it.

Is a Flashing Check Engine Light Serious?

Yes.

A flashing CEL is much more serious than a normal check engine light. If your check engine light keeps flashing, that means the engine of your vehicle is misfiring.

This is more urgent than a normal issue that might trigger the check engine light. So if your CEL starts flashing, you need to get it into an auto shop as soon as possible.

What Happens When a Vehicle Misfires?

When the crankshaft turns, your engine should combust the air and fuel, otherwise known as firing. When a cylinder doesn’t fire at the time it’s supposed to, it’s misfiring.

In other words, when an engine misfires, the cylinders don’t provide enough power to the car. This means the fuel might make it into the catalytic converter.

Your car will probably shake when this happens and have trouble running.

The Dangers of a Misfire

If you don’t get this engine malfunction repaired right away, you might end up with even more serious damages. Your car might stop running altogether.

Continuing to drive your car when your check engine light is flashing could even result in a car fire.

Taking care of a misfire as soon as you notice it will save you money on repairs and will keep your car safe to drive.

Common Causes of an Engine Misfire

There are a few different things that can cause your engine to misfire. Some of these problems are easier and less expensive to fix than others, but they are all serious issues that should be addressed right away.

Here’s a quick look at three of the most common misfire causes.

Ignition Defect: A single defect in the ignition system can result in an engine misfire. This could include problems with the ignition wire, coils, spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor. Your misfire is most likely caused by one of these problems, which is what you want. They are the cheapest misfires to correct.

Fuel Defect: Think of things like the fuel injectors. This will take longer and cost more to fix than ignition problems. Gas caps could also be loose and light the code. 

Internal Engine Defect: You don’t want this to be the cause of your misfire. This is the most expensive type of misfire repair out there because of the parts required to fix it. Parts might include pistons, rings, cylinder head, and the timing belt.

These are just a few causes of check engine lights. Typically, There is never a moment when your car will just stop, blow up, catch on fire or meltdown  just because your light came on. What it does mean is, take it to a professional and get it checked and maybe do some PREVENTATIVE maintenance so it doesn't turn into a bigger problem.

Happy Driving!

Scott Stillings

DriveNation USA