What Causes the Engine Indicator Light to Flash?
2 Answers
Engine fault light flashing is caused by the oxygen sensor detecting an abnormal air-fuel ratio, leading to poor combustion conditions in the engine. Other reasons for the engine fault light to illuminate are as follows: Sensor Issues: Sensors include those for coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake air temperature, and oxygen sensors. When sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or experience signal interruption, the vehicle's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, which will cause the engine fault light to illuminate. Engine Maintenance Issues: Poor engine maintenance. Vehicles have a certain maintenance cycle. Failure to perform maintenance on schedule, combined with poor driving habits, increases the burden on engine operation, leading to the engine fault light illuminating.
I remember being really startled when the engine warning light started flashing. Usually, this indicates a serious misfire issue in the engine, which could mean a cylinder isn't firing, the ignition coil is faulty, or incomplete fuel combustion is causing excessive emissions. A flashing light is more urgent than a steady one because it can potentially damage the catalytic converter, and repairs can be costly. I usually make it a habit to regularly check the spark plugs and fuel system when driving, but in such cases, it's best to immediately slow down and pull over—don't risk driving at high speeds. Using an OBD scanner can help identify the trouble code, but it's better not to attempt repairs yourself. Instead, head to a professional repair shop for diagnosis—safety comes first. If handled improperly, the catalytic converter could fail, or you might end up stranded on the road, which would be even more troublesome.
