What is what does it mean if your check engine light is blinking?

A blinking, or flashing, Check%20Engine%20Light indicates a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Unlike a solid check engine light which can indicate a variety of less urgent issues, a blinking light almost always signifies a severe engine misfire.

A Misfire means that one or more of your engine's cylinders are not properly combusting fuel and air. This results in unburnt fuel entering the Exhaust%20System.

The unburnt fuel can quickly overheat the Catalytic%20Converter, potentially causing permanent damage, expensive repairs, and even a fire hazard.

What to do:

  • Stop Driving (If Safe): If it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible.
  • Reduce Engine Load: If you must continue driving, reduce your speed and avoid hard acceleration.
  • Seek Immediate Service: Take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic immediately. Do not delay, as continued driving can cause significant damage.
  • Diagnostic Scan: A mechanic will use a diagnostic scanner to read the trouble codes stored in the vehicle's computer and pinpoint the source of the misfire.