Imagine being on the road and suddenly noticing the blinking “check engine” light which then stops by itself. This for sure will make you afraid of what might be wrong with your Chevy, Ford, GMC, Subaru, or any other car that you drive.
A continuously lightened-up check engine light is usually okay. But if you see it blinking, this indicates a possible issue with your car’s engine. This requires immediate care and fixing.
Are the dashboard warning lights a bit confusing for you too? To make things easier and less stressful, I have compiled all the important information regarding the “flashing check engine light then stops” issue. So without further ado, let’s jump right into this pool of information!
Note: Own a Ford? You might also want to know why your Ford says system off to save battery.
What Is A Check Engine Light?
A check engine light or indicator is a warning sign that something may be wrong with your vehicle. It can be located on the dashboard of your vehicle and appears in the form of an engine symbol in your GMC Acadia or Sierra. This sign can also be replaced by a simple lettering of “check engine” or “service engine” in the case of a Ford F150, Silverado, and many other makes and models.
Check Engine Light – Warning Light Colours
The color of the blinking warning light can provide a clue about how serious the issue might be. The two major warning light colors include:
1. Yellow Light
A yellow light is a warning sign of a simpler and less dangerous problem. It does not need emergency maintenance but in any case, it would be better to handle it as soon as possible.
2. Red Light
A red blinking light points towards a much more dangerous issue. This should be solved as soon as possible because driving in this state can cause permanent damage to the car.
Why Is My Check Engine Light Flashing While Driving? – 7 Reasons Behind It
Did you just realize that the light flashes when you speed up or brake hard? The timing or the action when the check engine light blinks is an indication of the parts which are involved in each case. A check engine light is not simple to figure out because it can occur for many reasons.
Let’s have a deeper look at each issue below!
1. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
An oxygen sensor in a car is a device used to measure the remaining oxygen level and helps to adjust fuel consumption. With a faulty oxygen sensor, the fuel consumption of a vehicle increases significantly.
2. A Loose Fuel Cap
A loose fuel cap is not an emergency but it can, however, cause emission problems in your beloved Chevy. A loosened fuel cap also allows impurities to enter your car’s fuel.
3. An Electrical Error
Check engine light can also flash due to a simple electrical error such as a loose wire or connection.
4. A Defective Airflow Sensor
An airflow sensor is an electronic device that measures the intake of air into the car engine. It is a component of the fuel injection system.
A faulty airflow sensor leads to check engine light blinking, poor start, and bad acceleration.
5. A Bad Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter in a broader view works as a purifier that converts toxic exhaust gases into less toxic components.
A bad catalytic converter can cause dark-colored exhaust smoke with a bad smell and decreased car performance.
6. Defective Spark Plugs
The check engine light error can also occur due to different defects in a spark plug including a broken spark plug or dirty spark plug.
7. A Faulty Engine Computer
An engine computer in a car works to maintain a proper fuel-to-air ratio in a vehicle’s engine.
Look out for a faulty engine computer if your car’s engine unexpectedly stops. Other signs of engine computer malfunctioning include decreased acceleration, engine misfire, or stuttering.
You can learn more about what this sign means through the video added below.
Check Engine Light Flashing Then Stops? – Common Fixes
The fixes to a flashing engine check light depend on what’s causing it. Some of the common steps which can be taken to solve the issue are:
- Change the spark plug.
- Replace or tighten the fuel cap.
- Replace the fuel injectors.
- Replace catalytic converters.
- Reconnect or tighten the wiring and connections.
- Replace the bad oxygen sensor.
Conclusion
Several dashboard warning signs are introduced by car manufacturers to warn car owners of different problems that may arise in their beloved cars. However, just knowing these symbols is not enough to understand the multiple issues arising in your car. What you need is a detailed breakdown of the symbols and their meanings and as far as a check engine symbol is concerned, I have provided you all the required information regarding it in this guide.
Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions or queries.
