Why is my check engine light flashing but not staying on?

Why is my check engine light flashing but not staying on?

When the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light starts blinking (as opposed to staying steadily illuminated), this means that a catalytic converter-damaging condition is occurring. When this Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light flashes, you should pull over safely and shut the vehicle off as soon as possible.

What could it mean when your check engine light is flashing check all that applies?

If the check engine light illuminates, it will either blink or remain constant, depending on the problem. A blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system.

Can a bad o2 sensor cause engine light to blink?

Cause. A flashing check-engine light generally indicates that there is a failure in the emission control system. An oxygen sensor reads the air and fuel mixture and lights up when it is out of range.

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.

Can I drive with a flashing check engine light?

If you know the check engine light is flashing, do not drive the car at all. If you must drive the vehicle, drive it to a trustworthy mechanic who can diagnosis the problem and make repairs. A blinking check engine light is more serious than other dashboard lights because it is warning you before an emergency.

Can low oil cause check engine light flash?

Low oil pressure: If your car is low on oil, it can cause your check engine light to go off. This is often shown in its own glowing light along with the check engine light on the dashboard. Overheating: If your car’s engine temperature is heating up, it can once again trigger the check engine light.

Can I drive with check engine light blinking?

A blinking check engine light is more serious than other dashboard lights because it is warning you before an emergency. The light may flash right away or it can start to flash after leaving the check engine light on without repairs. It is never safe to drive with the check engine light so seek ASAP automotive help.

How far can you drive with a blinking engine light?

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.

Is it safe to drive with check engine light flashing?

How long can you drive with a check engine light flashing?

What is the difference between a check engine light and a flashing check engine light?

While a check engine light should always be investigated, it isn’t always a major emergency. However, a flashing check engine light is entirely different. A flashing check engine light does require immediate attention. A blinking check engine light will pop up on your dashboard display when your engine misfires.

How do you fix a blinking check engine light?

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. Continuing to drive your car with a flashing CEL can cause irreversible damage to internal components.

What causes a flashing check engine light on a Kia Sportage?

While a majority of the time, the flashing check engine light is going to be caused by a misfire related to your Sportage’s ignition system or fuel system (as stated above), there are other issues that can cause it. Your timing chain could have jumped .

What causes the Check Engine light to flash?

Here are the most common issues that end up causing the check engine light to flash. But, follow the OBDII codes. A code scanner is cheap . Use it to find out exactly why your vehicles computer decided to flash this light. The ignition system is the most common reason that the check engine light will flash.

What should I do if my check engine light has no code?

1 Check Engine Light No Code: What To Do. Before you get too stressed out about what is happening with the vehicle, take a moment to think back on recent car 2 Preventing No Codes From Happening In The Future. The biggest step you can take to prevent future no codes with your Check Engine Lights is to buy a better ODB2 3 Conclusion.

Why does my Kia Sportage not start up?

Crank/Cam Sensor- When the cam or crank sensors are not being read by the ECM/PCM, it’s impossible to get the ignition timing right. If you Sportage does start at all, it’ll run rough. It could be a more serious mechanical issue, such as as bent valve, bad lifter, etc….