Check Engine Light Flashing, Car Won’t Accelerate

If you’re driving and your check engine light starts flashing and your car loses power, it’s a sign of a serious problem. You should pull over as soon as it’s safe and turn off the engine. Flashing check engine lights indicate a misfire that is causing unburned fuel to reach the catalytic converter, which can damage it.

Causes of a Check Engine Light Flashing and Car Not Accelerating

There are several potential causes of a check engine light flashing and a car not accelerating, including:

Ignition problems: This could be due to a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, or distributor cap.
Fuel system problems: This could be due to a clogged fuel filter, faulty fuel pump, or injector issues.
Engine mechanical problems: This could be due to worn piston rings, a damaged cylinder head gasket, or other engine damage.

What to Do If Your Check Engine Light Is Flashing and Your Car Won’t Accelerate

If your check engine light is flashing and your car won’t accelerate, you should do the following:

Pull over as soon as it’s safe. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
Check for any obvious problems. Look for any loose or disconnected hoses or wires.
Call for assistance. If you can’t find any obvious problems, you should call for a tow truck or roadside assistance.

How to Prevent a Check Engine Light Flashing and Car Not Accelerating

There are several things you can do to prevent a check engine light flashing and car not accelerating, including:

Get regular maintenance. This will help to keep your car in good condition and prevent problems from developing.
Use high-quality fuel. This will help to keep your fuel system clean and free of deposits.
Avoid driving aggressively. This can put stress on your engine and lead to problems.

Conclusion

If your check engine light is flashing and your car won’t accelerate, it’s important to take action immediately. This could be a sign of a serious problem that could damage your car or cause an accident. By following the steps in this article, you can help to prevent this from happening.