Here's what you should do:
* Stop driving the car immediately. Driving with a flashing check engine light due to a misfire can lead to catastrophic engine failure, potentially requiring a costly rebuild or replacement.
* Have the car towed to a mechanic or dealership. This isn't something you should try to diagnose and fix yourself unless you have extensive automotive experience.
* Obtain the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). A mechanic will use an OBD-II scanner to read the codes stored by the car's computer. These codes will pinpoint the likely cause of the misfire. Common causes include:
* Spark plugs: Worn, fouled, or improperly gapped spark plugs are a frequent culprit.
* Ignition coils: These can fail and prevent a cylinder from firing properly.
* Worn ignition wires: Cracked or damaged wires can cause misfires.
* Fuel injectors: A clogged or malfunctioning injector can prevent fuel from reaching a cylinder.
* Crankshaft position sensor: This sensor tells the computer the engine's rotational speed and position, and a faulty sensor can disrupt ignition timing.
* Camshaft position sensor: Similar to the crankshaft sensor, a faulty camshaft sensor can affect ignition timing.
* Mass airflow sensor: This sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine; a faulty sensor can lead to a lean or rich air/fuel mixture, causing misfires.
* Follow the mechanic's recommendations. Once the codes are read and the problem diagnosed, the mechanic will recommend the necessary repairs. Get a written estimate before any work begins.
Ignoring a flashing check engine light can lead to:
* Damaged catalytic converter: Unburnt fuel entering the exhaust system can overheat and damage the catalytic converter.
* Engine damage: Continued misfires can cause damage to pistons, valves, and other internal engine components.
* Increased emissions: Misfires result in increased emissions of harmful pollutants.
In short: A flashing check engine light is a serious warning. Get your car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
