Engine Light Blinking and Car Shaking: What It Means and What to Do

What Does It Mean When the Engine Light Blinks and the Car Shakes?

When the engine light blinks and the car shakes, it means that there is a serious problem with the engine. The most common cause is a misfire, which occurs when the spark plugs are not firing properly. This can cause the engine to run rough and shake, and it can also lead to decreased fuel efficiency and performance. Other potential causes of a blinking engine light and car shaking include:

Fuel injector problems
Ignition coil problems
Vacuum leaks
Catalytic converter problems

What to Do When the Engine Light Blinks and the Car Shakes

If the engine light blinks and the car shakes, it is important to take action immediately. The first step is to pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine. Then, you can check the following:

Check the spark plugs. The spark plugs are responsible for firing the air-fuel mixture in the engine. If they are worn out or damaged, they can cause a misfire.
Check the ignition coils. The ignition coils provide the spark plugs with the electricity they need to fire. If the ignition coils are faulty, they can also cause a misfire.
Check for vacuum leaks. Vacuum leaks can cause the engine to run lean, which can also lead to a misfire.
Check the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter helps to reduce emissions. If it is damaged, it can cause the engine to run rough and shake.

If you are unable to identify the cause of the problem, you should have the car towed to a mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

How to Prevent the Engine Light from Blinking and the Car from Shaking

There are several things you can do to help prevent the engine light from blinking and the car from shaking. These include:

Get regular oil changes. Regular oil changes help to keep the engine clean and running smoothly.
Use high-quality fuel. High-quality fuel helps to reduce the risk of engine problems.
Have the car serviced regularly. Regular service can help to identify and fix potential problems before they become major issues.