Posted on 6/27/2025
Seeing the check engine light come on is always a little unsettling, but when it starts flashing? That’s a much more urgent signal. Unlike a steady check engine light that typically indicates a non-critical issue, a flashing one often means your engine is experiencing a severe problem that can’t wait. If your check engine light flashes intermittently (turning on and off while you drive), it’s your vehicle warning you that something needs immediate attention. Ignoring it could lead to costly engine damage or even complete failure. Understanding what causes this flashing behavior is the first step toward protecting your vehicle. Why the Light Flashes Instead of Staying Steady The engine control module (ECM) is designed to monitor your car’s performance in real time. A steady light is usually related to emissions problems or non-urgent malfunctions. Still, when the system detects a misfire that could harm the catalytic converter, it switches to ... read more