The check engine light (CEL) is your car’s way of saying it needs to be looked at. It’s there to alert you of any issues within your vehicle. Most of the time, it will appear as a solid check engine light. However, if the check engine light is flashing, there is a more imminent problem.
What Causes a Flashing Check Engine Light
When your check engine light is continually blinking, your car is signaling a potential misfire within one of it’s combustion chambers, which can cause irreversible damage to your engine if left unchecked.
What Is a Misfire?
A misfire occurs when the combustion process encounters an issue, preventing the air and fuel mixture from igniting. Misfires can be caused by a whole host of factors, but they all produce similar symptoms and the same flashing CEL.
Misfires are usually accompanied by the vehicle running “rough”, feeling underpowered, or, in extreme cases, stalling completely. With the engine struggling to produce enough power, both your fuel efficiency and performance will take a significant hit.
What Causes Misfires?
Misfires can occur for countless reasons, as any issue that prevents proper combustion in a cylinder can pose problems. However, some causes are seen more frequently than others. Here are some common sources of a misfire that you should know!
- Ignition/Spark Plug Issues
- Sensor/Electrical Issues
- Fuel Injectors
- Vacuum Leaks
- Emissions System Problems
Is it Safe to Drive With a Misfire?
No, driving with a misfire is not only harmful to your engine’s fuel economy and power, but it can also lead to serious issues if ignored. While engines can usually still run with a misfire, allowing it to continue can lead to permanent engine damage. The most immediate potential damage resulting from a misfire is a failed catalytic converter, which can cost lots of money to replace.
Not only this, but misfires can cause random drops in power or lead to stalls. If this happens when you need to accelerate, it could cause permanent damage to your engine.
Engine Diagnostics & Repair in Puyallup, WA
If you’re experiencing an active CEL or any other symptoms of a mechanical issue, trust the expert technicians at 15th Street Automotive in Puyallup, Washington, for precision diagnostics. Our team has the training and state-of-the-art equipment to uncover the true source of your issues and provide high-quality repairs at fair prices! Give us a call or schedule online today.