Flashing Check Engine Light Then Stops: Causes and Fixes

what does the  flashing check engine light and the stop? When the check engine light on your vehicle’s dashboard starts flashing and then stops, it can take your breath away (in a bad way of course!) and be a source of anxiety.

This guide aims to demystify this phenomenon, explaining what it could mean and what actions you should take.

This phenomenon can happen to you at any time or place if you usually drive a car. So we recommend you read this article beforehand, just in case someday you encounter a flashing check engine light. Because in that case, you will not have enough time! so proceed and keep the information in mind.

What is the check engine light?

To understand the issue more accurately, you need to understand the purpose of the check engine light.

A warning light on your vehicle’s dashboard, the check engine light, also called the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), is usually in the shape of a car engine.

The check engine light’s color depends on your vehicle, and when it is turned on, it shows that something is wrong with your car.

As a part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system, the check engine light is responsible for notifying the car’s driver that something is not functioning the way it should.

The check engine light on your vehicle monitors the engine and other parts of the vehicle for issues and problems that might cause damage or harm to your car.

When the vehicle’s ECU finds out that a component is problematic and there is a risk that it could affect the vehicle’s emissions or performance, it triggers this indicator to inform the driver.

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Flashing check engine light then stops: Why?

When your vehicle’s check engine light is illuminated, you can conclude that there are some issues with your engine or any other related parts. But a flashing check engine light indicates a more severe problem regarding the car’s engine and related parts.

Is a flashing check engine light worse than a solid check engine light?

To be honest, it is. The flashing check engine light requires immediate attention. You need to take the car to the nearest mechanic and ask for their help. Make sure you choose a skilled and qualified mechanic or even get a second opinion.

If the issue is not addressed, it will most likely result in worse problems that will require more repair costs.

As said earlier, when your vehicle’s check engine light is solidly on, it is indicative of some issues regarding the engine and other related components, but they are not urgent and you can normally take a while before addressing the issue (although it is better if you do not ignore it.).

However, when the check engine light is flashing, there are more urgent issues with the engine and other parts that need immediate attention, otherwise, it can lead to bigger damage to your car.

What does it mean when you have a flashing check engine light then stops?

It is easily concluded that a flashing check engine light requires immediate attention. When it flashes and then stops, it could mean that your vehicle has a serious condition that requires very immediate attention.

This condition can be caused by a series of different issues including a misfire condition or a significant issue with the ignition, fuel timing, or compressor, and is indicative of a potentially dangerous condition.

It can be because of unburned fuel being dumped into the exhaust system, which creates a high risk of fire and can potentially seriously harm your car.

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What should I do if my vehicle’s check engine light starts flashing and then stops?

The first step that you must take is to pull over immediately. But of course, take the necessary precautions and park your car somewhere safe.

After that, there are two possible situations:

1.The check engine light continues flashing

If this is the case and after you pull the car over, the check engine light is still flashing, the best choice is to get help and have your vehicle towed to a trustworthy mechanic.

Once you get to a qualified mechanic, they need to diagnose your car and find out the reason behind your car’s flashing check engine light.

2.The check engine light stops flashing after a short while

If the check engine light is now turned off and has stopped flashing, there’s a chance that you can drive to the nearest mechanic or auto parts store yourself and it might be safe to do so.

What causes a flashing check engine light then stop?

1.Oxygen sensor malfunction

What does an oxygen sensor do?

The role of an oxygen sensor, also known as an O2 sensor, is to measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases that are exiting the car’s motor, and it is very crucial to the engine’s performance and emission control system.

The air-fuel mixture is adjusted by the engine control module (ECM) using the data that is sent from the oxygen sensor, and this process ensures optimal engine performance and keeps harmful emissions to a minimum.

What are the symptoms and signs of oxygen sensor malfunction?

When the oxygen sensor is not working properly, it leads to different issues such as deficient engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and more emissions, especially harmful emissions.

In that case, your vehicle needs more fuel for the same operation, and the car fails an emissions test.

Moreover, an oxygen sensor malfunction triggers the check engine light.

Possible fixes for oxygen sensor malfunction

Once you notice that your car’s oxygen sensor might not work the way it should, it is time to get the car checked by a qualified mechanic.

Professional mechanics use diagnostic tools and check for oxygen sensor-related error codes.

The examination should not take long. After that, if they are sure about your car’s oxygen sensor malfunction, they recommend replacing the oxygen sensor.

You should replace the oxygen sensors once you find out that they are faulty. Otherwise, you are risking the optimal performance of your vehicle’s engine, and a faulty oxygen sensor could lead to more serious problems over time.

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2.Issues with the gas cap

What does a gas cap do in a car?

Not much, but it sure plays a very important role!

The importance of gas caps is shown to us once we realize that they are the reason behind the check engine light’s illumination. How? Let me explain:

The fuel system is bound to be sealed so no fuel vapor gets released into the atmosphere and the pressure within the fuel tank is maintained.

Once the gas cap gets damaged, worn out, broken, or even slightly loose, the pressure inside the gas tank gets altered. This can trigger the check engine light.

What are the symptoms and signs of issues with the gas cap?

One thing is obvious: once the gas cap is damaged or loose, the fuel tank is no longer sealed. This means that nothing stops the fuel vapors from being released into the atmosphere.

Therefore, the first sign of gas cap issues is a decrease in fuel efficiency and you may also smell fuel, especially after refueling.

This might trigger the check engine light and in some cases, it may flash and then stop.

Possible fixes of issues with the gas cap

This one is easy: check the gas cap and address any issues.

In this case, it is most probable for the check engine light to come on after refueling. So if this happens, your first move has to be checking the gas cap.

If it is loose, fasten it securely and make sure it is in the right place.

If the check engine light goes off, then the problem is fixed.

But if it is still on, then you have to check it more thoroughly. Insect it for any damages or signs of wear. If it is damaged indeed, then the solution is to replace it. Very simple.

But what if the check engine light is still on after replacing it? Or what if the gas cap is fastened and not damaged in any way? What to do then?

Then you need to ask a professional mechanic for their knowledge and skills, and they shall help you find out the source of the problem

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3.A problematic catalytic converter

What does a catalytic converter do?

Your vehicle cannot work properly without an efficient exhaust system, and the exhaust system will not work efficiently without a catalytic converter.

Combustion produces a lot of harmful gases. The catalytic converter makes sure that the very harmful emissions are converted into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere.

The levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons are reduced in the exhaust gases, which is an outcome of the optimal performance of the catalytic converter.

What are the symptoms and signs of a problematic catalytic converter?

A decrease in engine performance may be noticed due to a problematic catalytic converter, which means reduced power and acceleration, and more fuel usage than usual.

This might turn the check engine light on, and in some cases, the check engine light flashes and then stops.

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Possible fixes for problematic catalytic converter

The best way to know if your car’s catalytic converter is not working properly is to have it checked by professional mechanics.

Diagnostic tools will be used to identify the source of the problem.

If the mechanics find out there is something wrong with the catalytic converter, they will replace it.

Driving your car while the catalytic converter is problematic increases emissions and leads to more serious engine problems. Have it fixed as soon as possible.

4.Bad mass air flow sensor

What does a mass airflow (MAF) sensor do?

The MAF sensor is a part of your car’s electronic fuel injection system and one of the main components of the fuel injector system.

The amount of air that enters the engine must be measured, and the component that is in charge of this job is called the MAF sensor.

The data that the mass airflow sensor provides is used by the engine control module to determine how much fuel to inject into the engine for combustion.

This process ensures optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency, using the MAF sensor.

Moreover, the vehicle’s computer uses airflow readings to determine the differences in the car’s automatic transmission.

What are the symptoms and signs of a bad mass air flow sensor?

As mentioned earlier, the MAF sensor ensures optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. So in case of a bad mass airflow sensor, they are affected.

A decrease in engine performance may be noticed, including reduced power and poor acceleration, and your car may use more fuel than usual.

Additionally, no start, engine misfires, and a flashing check engine light will be caused.

Possible fixes for bad mass air flow sensor

Again, the mechanics are your best solution. They might suggest cleaning the sensor, and it may fix the problem.

But other times, you need to replace it if the MAF sensor is defective.

5.Worn-out or damaged spark plugs

What does a spark plug do?

They are important to your car’s best performance, and their significance is that they ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s combustion chambers, creating the explosion that powers the engine.

Spark plugs in good condition ensure optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency, and worn-out ones cause engine misfires.

They need to be replaced once in a while depending on how many miles your vehicle has been driven and of course its type and your kind of use.

What are the symptoms and signs of worn-out or damaged spark plugs?

Ignition system defect is caused by worn-out spark plugs and it means the engine misfires that harm your vehicle in a very major way.

Other symptoms are slow acceleration, fuel deficiency, difficult startups, and a flashing check engine light.

Possible fixes for worn-out or damaged spark plugs

You can do this yourself or leave it to the professional mechanics. Inspecting and checking the spark plugs is not that hard and anyone can do it at home.

Inspect for any signs of wear or damage, and if they are worn out or damaged by any chance, replace them.

A skilled mechanic can do that for you, or you can do it at home if you are skilled enough. But either way, replacing them in time is a lot better than risking more serious issues.

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6.Damaged thermostat valve

What does a thermostat valve do?

Your car’s thermostat is relatively cheap, but still one of the most important car parts. It regulates coolant flow through the engine to keep it at its optimal temperature.

The thermostat valve is responsible for regulating the coolant flow between the engine and the radiator.

A cold engine means that the engine has to warm up to operate, so the thermostat valve stays closed.

But once the engine gets warmer and heats up to the operating temperature, the thermostat’s job begins. It is when the thermostat valve opens gradually and the coolant makes its way to the radiator to cool the engine.

If the thermostat valve fails, it means that the engine will either not get the proper amount of coolant flow or get a lot of unnecessary coolant flow, and both situations create problems for the engine.

If the engine overheats and the issue is not addressed, it leads to your engine boiling over and you will need to pay lots of money to repair it.

So it is suggested that you keep looking out for any signs of overheating, overcooling, coolant leaking, strange sounds, heater problems, or erratic temperature changes if you do not want your vehicle’s thermostat to fail.

What are the symptoms and signs of a damaged thermostat valve?

The thermostat valve can get broken, stuck, or damaged and cause a variety of problems.

If the thermostat valve is stuck open, then the engine will take longer to reach its operating temperature. It will reduce fuel efficiency and engine performance.

If the thermostat valve is stuck closed, the engine will overheat, which can cause serious engine damage and cause a lot of trouble and cost a lot to repair.

In case of any thermostat valve damage, the check engine light may come on, and in some cases, it may flash and then stop.

Possible fixes for a damaged thermostat valve

If you suspect that there might be a problem with the vehicle’s thermostat or the thermostat valve, ask professional and trustworthy mechanics for help.

They will start examining the thermostat and the thermostat valve and look for any signs of damage or malfunction.

In case of any problem with the thermostat valve, replace it immediately

Driving your car while there is something wrong with its thermostat or thermostat valve does not seem like a wise and careful idea.

7.Issues within the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system

What does the EGR system do?

The exhaust gas recirculation system, also known as the EGR system, is important for reducing the harmful emissions that are produced by the car’s engine regularly.

The EGR recirculates a portion of the engine’s exhaust gases back into the engine’s intake to reduce the engine’s operating temperature, and it also helps to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides that are produced throughout combustion.

What are the symptoms and signs of issues within the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system?

A decrease in engine performance may be a sign that the EGR system is not doing its best job, and it is indicated by reduced power and low acceleration.

This leads to deficient fuel usage and your vehicle will need more fuel than usual.

If your car is slow or difficult at startups, it can be a sign of issues with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

And of course, this issue can trigger the check engine light, and in some cases, it may become flashing and then suddenly stop.

Possible fixes of issues within the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)?

Diagnostic tools can be used to check for error codes. Mechanics are your best hope at finding the problem and diagnosing your car when the check engine light flashes and then stops.

Replacing your vehicle’s EGR system is recommended, and in some cases only cleaning this system would resolve the problem. A skilled and experienced mechanic can help you choose how to resolve it.

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8.Failing engine computer

What does an engine computer do?

What makes immediate adjustments to the engine in a car? Of course, an engine computer is tasked with this job.

The engine computer manages the engine timing and the fuel-to-air ratio.

Multiple sensors gather information from multiple systems and components and send them to the engine computer, which relies on them to perform all its functions in the best way possible.

What are the symptoms and signs of a failing engine computer?

If your vehicle’s engine shuts down suddenly for no reason if the acceleration is suddenly very poor, and if the fuel economy has suddenly dropped, you can suspect that there is something wrong with the engine computer.

Other signs include engine misfires and flashing check engine lights, which can be indicative of serious damage together.

Possible fixes for failing engine computer

You have to take your car to a qualified mechanic very soon. Tell them about your car’s problems and symptoms and do not make any uncalculated guesses and let them do their job.

They will tell you if the engine computer needs replacing or can be repaired.

9.Problems with the fuel injector

What does a fuel injector do?

The job of a fuel injector is to simply inject, or spray fuel (after it mixes with the air) into the engine’s combustion cylinders.

If any debris, rust, dirt, or foreign materials find their way into the vehicle’s system, there is a good chance that the car’s fuel injectors get damaged.

Their job is so important that once you suspect any problems with the fuel injector, we strongly recommend fixing your car before you drive it again. (Unless you want to damage your car very seriously.)

Try replacing your vehicle’s fuel injectors every 50,000 to 100,000 miles if you do not seek any harm or damage.

What are the symptoms and signs of faulty fuel injectors?

Engine vibrations that cause your car to move in surges can be a vivid symptom of faulty fuel injectors. This affects your car’s smooth and gradual movement.

Your car will make rougher noises, and the check engine light may flash, and in some cases stop later.

Possible fixes for faulty fuel injectors

If you want to do it yourself, a repair kit can help you fix some issues with the vehicle’s injectors.

They can be removed and cleaned, and even replaced.

It depends on how damaged or clogged the fuel injectors are.

The best way to make a decision is to ask for a professional opinion.

What does each warning color of the check engine light mean?

What does it mean if the check engine light is yellow?

If the check engine light on your vehicle’s dashboard is on and it is yellow, there is a problem with your vehicle, but it is not very urgent and immediate.

We recommend that you check your car for any issues and problems as soon as you can.

Ignoring a yellow check engine light can lead to more damage and problems down the road.

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What does it mean if the check engine light is red?

If the check engine light on your car’s dashboard is on and it has turned red, you should check it immediately.

If you are driving, pull over and stop the car right away.

Red check engine lights mean there is a serious and major issue with the vehicle that needs immediate addressing and if not so, serious damages can be caused.

So if the red check engine light is triggered, pull over once it is safe and check the car. Then you need to have your car towed to the nearest and yet qualified mechanic.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about flashing check engine light

What does it mean if the check engine light flashes 5 times?

It is a probable indicator of problems with your vehicle’s emission control system such as oxygen sensor malfunction.

It can also indicate an issue with the ignition coil, the spark plugs, and the catalytic converter. To make sure what causes it, take a professional opinion.

What does it mean if the check engine light flashes 10 times?

An engine misfire may trigger the check engine light to flash 10 times. You need to identify the reason behind the engine’s misfire. The reason could be worn-out spark plugs, dirty air filters, or damaged fuel injectors.

What is the meaning of it when the check engine light flashes and then stops?

It can be because of potentially serious issues with your vehicle that require immediate attention and addressing by you or a professional mechanic.

Why does my car’s check engine light flash and then stop?

A flashing check engine light could be caused by many different issues including a faulty oxygen sensor, loose gas cap, bad catalytic converter, defective mass air flow sensor, damaged spark plugs, broken thermostat valve, a faulty EGR system, failing engine computer, or a faulty fuel injector.

What to do if my car’s check engine light flashes and then stops?

A diagnostic scanner can help you diagnose the problem. But there is no need to worry if you do not have this tool. Take your car to a professional mechanic or an auto part store.

What is the meaning of each check engine light color?

If the check engine light is yellow, it indicates a warning. But if your car’s check engine light has turned red, it indicates a serious and dangerous situation.

Is a flashing check engine light serious, harmful, damaging, or dangerous?

Yes, it is. A flashing check engine light could indicate a serious issue and if it is not addressed properly, it can cause harm or damage to your car.

In the end

Do not simply ignore your car’s signals. If the check engine light comes on, something must have triggered it. It is best to find the source soon and address it.

Flashing check engine lights indicate that you need to address the issue immediately or else the issues will damage your car more seriously. This guide can help you understand the causes, symptoms, and possible fixes for each issue.