What could it mean when your check engine light is flashing?
What could it mean when your check engine light is flashing?
A check engine light flashing– as opposed to a continuously illuminated check engine light – should never be ignored. A flashing CEL indicates a severe problem, one that requires immediate car repair. In other words, if your check engine light is flashing, pull over and call a tow service.
Is a solid or flashing check engine light worse?
A flashing Check Engine Light is serious business. A solid Check Engine Light can mean something like a loose gas cap, or it can indicate a more in-depth problem like a fuel, timing, or transmission issue. Get your car diagnosed, although the urgency isn’t the same as if the light was flashing at you.
Will a bad alternator cause the check engine light to come on?
A faulty alternator not only turns the check engine light on, it also risks your safety. If the alternator fails when you’re driving, the car radio will go off, the interior lights will dim, and you will experience extreme difficulty in driving. The reason being all power is lost.
What is the difference between a check engine light and a flashing check engine light?
When your Check Engine light comes on it is either solid or flashing. They mean two different things. A flashing light indicates a problem which needs to be addressed immediately. A solid light can be as insignificant as a loose gas cap, or it could signal fuel, timing, or transmission troubles.
How long can I drive with check engine light flashing?
The rule of thumb is that if the check engine light is flashing, you can’t keep driving the car. It’s an emergency. Often it indicates an engine misfire. If you keep driving, you will likely cause irreversible damage, mostly to the (expensive) catalytic converter.
Will check engine light flash if low oil?
The engine check light can turn on for a number of different reasons, but a low oil level is typically not one of them. Being low on oil is a serious problem, but it will not trigger your check engine light. If you see this light turn on, this could indicate that your vehicle needs more oil.