What is what does it mean when your check engine light blinks?

A blinking check engine light is a serious warning sign. It indicates a severe problem that could cause significant damage to your engine or emissions system if ignored. Unlike a solid check engine light, which can signal a less urgent issue, a blinking light typically points to a misfire.

Here's what you need to know:

• Severity: A blinking check engine light requires immediate attention. Continuing to drive with a blinking light could lead to catalytic converter damage, and further engine damage.

• Misfire: The most common cause is an engine%20misfire. This means that one or more of the cylinders in your engine are not firing correctly. Unburned fuel is being dumped into the exhaust system.

• Catalytic Converter Damage: Raw fuel entering the catalytic%20converter can cause it to overheat and melt down. Repairing or replacing a catalytic%20converter is costly.

• Other Potential Causes: While a misfire is the most likely culprit, other issues can also trigger a blinking check engine light. These can include problems with the fuel%20system or emissions%20system.

• What to Do:

  1. Reduce Speed and Load: If it is safe to do so, reduce your speed and avoid heavy acceleration.
  2. Pull Over (If Safe): If the light is blinking constantly and the engine is running rough, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible.
  3. Don't Drive Unnecessarily: Avoid driving the car until the problem is diagnosed and repaired.
  4. Get it Diagnosed: Take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic to have the issue diagnosed. A mechanic can use a scan tool to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's computer, which will help pinpoint the source of the problem.