* Intermittent: This is the most likely scenario. The problem causing the light to illuminate was temporary. For example, a loose gas cap, a momentary sensor glitch, or a minor issue with a component that resolved itself. While this is less serious than a persistent problem, it's still important to address. The issue might return.
* Serious but resolved (rare): Less likely, but possible, is that a serious problem occurred, corrected itself (unlikely), or only impacted the system briefly.
* Sensor malfunction: A faulty sensor might have sent a false positive reading. The sensor could be failing intermittently.
* Problem still present but not consistently detected: The car's computer might not consistently detect the issue, leading to the light turning on and off. This is deceiving as a serious issue might still be lurking.
What you should do:
* Don't ignore it: Even though the light went off, the underlying problem might still exist. Ignoring it could lead to further damage or even dangerous driving conditions.
* Get it scanned: The best course of action is to have the car's diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) read by a mechanic using an OBD-II scanner. This will identify the specific problem the computer detected. Many auto parts stores offer free code reading services.
* Address the issue: Once the code is known, you and/or your mechanic can determine the necessary repair.
In short, a flickering check engine light is a warning sign that should not be ignored. Getting a diagnostic scan is the only way to know for sure what the problem was and if it's still present.
