Here's what you should do:
* Stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so. Continuing to drive could worsen the problem and lead to expensive repairs.
* Turn off the vehicle.
* Have the vehicle towed to a qualified mechanic or Ford dealership. Don't try to diagnose the problem yourself, as misdiagnosis can lead to further damage.
The blinking light itself doesn't tell you *what* the problem is. A mechanic will need to use an OBD-II scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored by the vehicle's computer. These codes provide clues to the specific issue. Possible causes could include:
* Misfire: A cylinder isn't firing properly, potentially due to faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
* Catalyst converter issue: A malfunctioning catalytic converter can cause a serious problem and is a potentially expensive repair.
* Transmission problem: In some cases, a serious transmission issue can trigger a blinking check engine light.
* Other serious engine problems: There's a wide range of potential issues, including problems with the oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensor, or other critical engine components.
Ignoring a blinking check engine light can lead to significant engine damage, potentially requiring a costly engine rebuild or replacement. Get it checked immediately.
