Here's what you should do:
* Stop driving immediately and safely. Pull over to the side of the road as soon as it's safe to do so.
* Turn off the engine. This helps prevent further damage.
* Have the vehicle towed. Do not attempt to drive it to a repair shop. The problem is likely severe and continuing to drive could worsen the situation.
* Contact a qualified mechanic or your dealership. They can diagnose the problem using an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes stored by the vehicle's computer. These codes will provide clues about the specific issue.
Possible causes of a blinking check engine light (which are much more serious than a steady light) include:
* Misfire: One or more cylinders aren't firing properly. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors. Severe misfires can damage the catalytic converter.
* Severe engine damage: Internal engine problems like a broken connecting rod or piston could be causing the light to blink.
* Problems with the catalytic converter: A damaged or failing catalytic converter can lead to a blinking light.
A steady check engine light usually indicates a less urgent issue. But a *blinking* light signifies an immediate and serious threat to your engine's health. Get it towed and diagnosed immediately.
