This article was co-authored by Matthew Rava and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Matthew Rava is an Auto Repair Expert and the Co-founder & Head of Marketing of Brakes to You. He specializes in auto repairs that concern brakes. Matthew earned a BS from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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A flashing or irregular check engine light is your vehicle’s way of trying to get your attention. But what is it trying to say, exactly? If your check engine light is blinking, it could indicate a serious issue with your vehicle's engine. On the other hand, if your check engine light comes on and goes off at random times, the issue may be more minor, but it's still worth addressing before it gets worse. Keep reading to learn the possible causes of a flashing or erratic check engine light and how to address them.
Things You Should Know
- If your check engine light comes on but turns off randomly, it’s a sign you have a minor issue that comes and goes and is tripping the system.
- A check engine light that's flashing can be a sign of a serious issue with your vehicle's engine and usually requires immediate attention.
- Don't continue to drive with a flashing check engine light unless you can make it quickly to a mechanic and your engine is not overheating.
Steps
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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about car maintenance, check out our in-depth interview with Matthew Rava.
References
- ↑ https://www.daytondailynews.com/classifieds/cars/check-engine-lights-ever-turn-off-themselves/QtfqIaXrNw80kKcqe0pIbM/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-maintenance/what-does-check-engine-light-mean-a2041364753/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES45ALi2LGI
- ↑ https://www.telegram.com/story/business/automotive/2015/09/20/flashing-check-engine-light-means/33518515007/
- ↑ https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/what-to-do-after-replacing-mass-air-flow-sensor/
- ↑ https://www.telegram.com/story/business/automotive/2015/09/20/flashing-check-engine-light-means/33518515007/
- ↑ https://autotrends.org/signs-transmission-trouble/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-maintenance/what-does-check-engine-light-mean-a2041364753/