Why Your Check Engine Light is Flashing and What to Do

Think you can just ignore your check engine light?

Here’s why you need to pay attention when your check engine light is flashing. 

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

When your car’s onboard computer believes there’s an error related to the engine it will turn the check engine light on. This will be visible in your dashboard and should demand your immediate attention. 

Just because the check engine light is flashing doesn’t mean something’s necessarily seriously wrong. There are lots of sensors in modern cars, and from time to time they do go wrong, but there’s also the chance that you have a major issue. 

When your car senses an error it stores a diagnostic trouble code in its system. You need specialist equipment to access and understand the diagnostic trouble codes, so, unfortunately, you’re not going to know what the issue is until you get the car checked out. 

The main thing to remember is that if you don’t get your car checked out, any problem you might have is only going to get worse. So, if you’re in the Austin, TX area, and your check engine light is flashing, then drop by and pay us a visit!

Common Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light is Flashing

What could be going on underneath the hood when your check engine light is on?

The engine is an essential part of your car, and there are lots of little issues that could be troubling it. Here are some of the most common problems we see:

• A problem with the engine
• Transmission problems
• Issues with modules and sensors
• Problems with your emissions equipment
• Problems with the ignition system
• Problems with air/fuel delivery 

As you can see, there are many different problems that can cause your check engine light to start flashing. Many of these systems are integral to the way your car functions, so it’s not something you should ignore.

You rely on your car to look after you, so you’ve got to look after it sometimes, and the check engine light is one of the number one signs that it needs attention. 

Flashing vs Steady Check Engine Light 

Your check engine light can give you clues to the severity of the problem.

In most cars, a steady check engine light means the problem isn’t quite so severe, whereas a flashing light is urgent. Sometimes this is replaced by different colors (yellow or orange, and red).

Whether your check engine light is flashing or solid, it’s always in your best interests to get it checked out. It might be nothing, but equally, it could be the beginning of a big issue, and spotting it early could save you a lot of hassle. 

Get Your Check Engine Light Diagnosed

Your check engine light isn’t something you can sweep under the carpet and hope it goes away. You might get away with it, but more likely than not, it’s going to damage the value of your car and hurt your pocket. 

If you’re in the Austin, TX area, the easiest thing is to drop by Edgestone Automotive and get your car checked out by one of our friendly mechanics. 

We’ll have you back on the road in no time and help you protect your vehicle. 

Call us or schedule online to set up an appointment if you find your check engine light flashing.