Here's what you should do:
* Stop driving immediately. Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light risks significant engine damage.
* Turn off the engine.
* Have the car towed to a qualified mechanic. Do not attempt to diagnose or repair this yourself.
* Do not restart the engine. Attempting to restart the engine could worsen the problem.
The flashing light signifies a more urgent situation than a steadily illuminated check engine light. Possible causes include:
* Severe misfire: This is the most common cause. A misfire occurs when one or more cylinders aren't igniting properly, leading to incomplete combustion. This can damage the catalytic converter and other components.
* Ignition system problem: Issues with spark plugs, ignition coils, wires, or the distributor (if applicable) can cause misfires.
* Fuel delivery problem: Problems with fuel injectors, fuel pump, or fuel filter can lead to misfires.
* Engine sensor failure: A faulty sensor can cause the engine control module (ECM) to misinterpret information and trigger a misfire.
The mechanic will need to use an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes stored by the car's computer. This will help pinpoint the exact cause of the flashing check engine light. Ignoring a flashing check engine light can lead to costly repairs.
