What does it mean when the engine malfunction indicator light flashes?
3 Answers
Reasons for the engine malfunction indicator light flashing: 1. Excessive engine carbon buildup; 2. Poor fuel quality or failure to perform regular maintenance. The solution is to clean the carbon deposits. Once the cleaning is completed and the exhaust emissions meet standards, the malfunction light will turn off. When a series of codes are generated, it indicates a vehicle malfunction. The onboard computer that reads the fault codes will display them on the dashboard in the form of indicator lights. The engine malfunction indicator light flashing on the dashboard is a reminder that there is an issue with the engine. The engine malfunction light is a signal sent by the ECU indicating a problem with the car's engine. All electronic components of the engine are controlled by the ECU, and a malfunction in a specific engine component causes the engine malfunction light to flash.
I get nervous when I see the engine warning light flashing—it's a serious warning sign. It usually indicates a major engine problem like a misfire, meaning one of the cylinders isn't working. Unburned gasoline can enter the exhaust pipe, which can easily damage the catalytic converter. Last time this happened, I immediately pulled over and called a tow truck to take the car to the repair shop. The mechanic said common causes include faulty ignition coils, dead spark plugs, or clogged fuel injectors, and using a diagnostic tool to check the trouble codes can pinpoint the issue. In such cases, never keep driving—otherwise, repair costs could double, and the engine damage could worsen.
Having driven for twenty years, I've encountered the emergency situation of the engine malfunction indicator flashing about twice. This flashing is completely different from a steady light, indicating that the engine is misfiring in real time. The most obvious sensation is sudden body shaking and a lack of power during acceleration. I immediately slowed down and stopped in a safe area, then turned off the engine to check the oil and coolant. Common causes include using low-quality gasoline, sensor errors such as the crankshaft position sensor, or timing chain skipping teeth. I remember the first time I didn't understand and drove a few kilometers, which ended up costing me a lot to replace the catalytic converter. Now I've learned my lesson—when the light flashes, I stop immediately and seek help.
