* Blinking Check Engine Light: This indicates a critical problem that requires immediate attention. A solid light usually means a less urgent issue. The blinking signifies a potentially catastrophic condition that could cause further damage if ignored.
* White Smoke from Exhaust: White smoke, especially if it's thick and/or smells sweet, often points to a coolant leak into the combustion chamber. This can be caused by:
* Head gasket failure: This is a very common cause of white smoke and is a significant engine repair. The head gasket seals the combustion chambers from the coolant passages. A failure allows coolant to leak into the cylinders, burning off as white smoke.
* Cracked cylinder head: Similar to a head gasket failure, a crack in the cylinder head can also allow coolant to mix with combustion.
* Damaged engine block: Less common, but a cracked or porous engine block can also lead to coolant entering the combustion chamber.
What to do immediately:
1. Stop driving the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive with this problem will likely cause significant and costly damage to the engine.
2. Have the vehicle towed to a qualified mechanic. Attempting to diagnose and repair this yourself could be dangerous and likely won't save money in the long run.
3. Do not add coolant. Adding coolant when there's a leak into the combustion chamber may cause further damage or even a pressure buildup leading to a more serious failure.
The mechanic will need to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the specific trouble codes stored by the vehicle's computer. This will help pinpoint the exact cause of the blinking check engine light. However, the combination of the blinking light and white smoke strongly suggests internal engine damage needing professional attention. The repair could be expensive, potentially requiring a head gasket replacement, head repair, or even engine replacement depending on the severity of the damage.
