What is the reason for the engine fault light flashing briefly and then appearing to not flash?
3 Answers
There are two main reasons why the engine fault light flashes briefly and then appears to not flash. Fuel pump or ignition component failure: When the car cannot start, it is caused by a fuel pump or ignition component failure, and the difficulty of repair is relatively high. Solution: Call for help immediately. Sensor failure: When the fault light is on, but there are no abnormalities in driving, it is just a sensor failure. Solution: You can continue driving temporarily, but it is best to maintain low to medium speed and proceed to a safe location. Engine failure: When the engine fault light comes on, the vehicle can still be driven, but symptoms such as severe shaking and lack of acceleration power indicate a serious engine failure. Solution: Stop the vehicle immediately and contact rescue services promptly.
I've been repairing cars for many years and often encounter situations where the engine warning light flashes briefly and then disappears. The most common cause is sensor issues, such as oxygen sensors or temperature sensors giving false signals under specific conditions, like during cold starts when temperature fluctuations are significant. Loose wiring connections are also frequent occurrences; engine vibrations can lead to poor contact and trigger warnings. Additionally, minor blockages in the fuel system or slight faults in ignition coils can cause momentary abnormal detections. Although the system returns to normal after self-checks, I recommend not ignoring it. It's best to use diagnostic tools to read hidden trouble codes, as there might be historical records even after the light goes off. Prompt inspection at a professional repair shop can prevent potential risks like incomplete combustion or higher repair costs. Regular maintenance, keeping the engine bay clean, and checking connection lines can help reduce such minor issues.
I've experienced a similar issue with my own car where the engine warning light flashed briefly and then disappeared. At first, I was quite nervous and immediately consulted my friends. They suggested that fuel line blockage or aging spark plugs could trigger such temporary warnings. Unstable battery voltage is also common, especially after prolonged use. Later, I spent a small amount of money on an OBD scanner and found a historical trouble code, but it turned out to be nothing serious. Simple solutions include checking fuel quality and changing engine oil regularly—don't delay too long. If the issue recurs or is accompanied by unusual noises, it's best to visit a 4S shop early to save both money and hassle. Developing a habit of checking the dashboard before driving can help detect problems early and prevent bigger issues.
