A flashing check engine light means a misfire severe enough to damage the catalytic converter, so slow down and get the car checked soon. A solid light means the computer found a fault that is not as urgent.
Key takeaways
- Flashing means reduce speed and get help.
- Solid allows short careful trips.
- Do not ignore either.
Flashing light
Unburned fuel enters the exhaust and overheats the converter. Reduce load and speed and get to a shop.
Solid light
A fault is stored but not actively damaging. Watch for changes in performance.
What causes a flashing light
Spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors and compression problems.
What to do
Note when it happens, avoid towing and heavy loads and call us.
Smog
Either state fails a smog check.
What a misfire does inside the exhaust
When a cylinder fails to burn its fuel, the unburned gasoline travels into the catalytic converter, where it burns and raises temperatures far above normal. That heat can melt the converter's internal structure in minutes of hard driving. The flashing light is the computer's warning that this is happening. Easing off the accelerator reduces the heat, which is why the advice is to slow down.
What to tell the shop
Describe the moment the light started flashing: during acceleration, at idle, uphill or after fueling. Mention shaking, a fuel smell or loss of power. Tell the shop if you towed or carried a heavy load. These details point to ignition, fuel or air problems. If the light stopped flashing and went solid, say so, because intermittent misfires are harder to catch and need that history.
Need help in south Bakersfield?
Questions about check engine light? Read our Check Engine Light page, call (661) 599-9098 or request a time. Peña's Auto Electric, Smog & Repair, 303 Taft Hwy, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93307. Mon to Fri 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Sat 8 AM to 1 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive to the shop with a flashing light?
Slowly and briefly if you must.
Will it damage the converter?
It can.
Is a solid light an emergency?
Not usually, but get it checked.
What does the shop do first?
Reads codes and tests the cause.