Check Engine Flashing Car Shaking
What it Means
When the check engine light flashes and the car shakes, it means that there is a serious problem with the engine. The most common cause of this is a misfire, which is when one or more of the engine’s cylinders is not firing properly. Misfires can be caused by a variety of problems, including spark plug problems, fuel injector problems, and ignition coil problems.
What to Do
If you see the check engine light flashing and the car shaking, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Turn off the engine and let it cool down for a few minutes. Once the engine has cooled down, you can restart it. If the check engine light is still flashing and the car is still shaking, you should take it to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Causes
There are a number of different things that can cause the check engine light to flash and the car to shake. Some of the most common causes include:
- Misfire
- Spark plug problems
- Fuel injector problems
- Ignition coil problems
- Vacuum leaks
- Exhaust leaks
- Catalytic converter problems
- Oxygen sensor problems
Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose the cause of the check engine light flashing and the car shaking is to take it to a mechanic. The mechanic will be able to use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the trouble codes from the car’s computer. The trouble codes will help the mechanic to identify the specific problem that is causing the check engine light to flash and the car to shake.
Repair
The repair for the check engine light flashing and the car shaking will depend on the specific cause of the problem. In some cases, the repair may be as simple as replacing a spark plug or fuel injector. In other cases, the repair may be more complex, such as replacing the catalytic converter or oxygen sensor.
Prevention
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent the check engine light from flashing and the car from shaking. These include:
- Get regular tune-ups
- Change your spark plugs and fuel filter regularly
- Drive in a manner that is not hard on the engine
- Avoid using cheap gasoline
Conclusion
If you see the check engine light flashing and the car shaking, it is important to take it seriously. This is a sign that there is a serious problem with the engine. The sooner you take it to a mechanic, the sooner the problem can be diagnosed and repaired.
