How to Fix Check Engine Light Blinking and Car Shaking

1. Check the spark plugs

The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. If they are worn out or fouled, they can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to the check engine light blinking and the car shaking. To check the spark plugs, remove them from the engine and inspect them for any signs of wear or damage. If the spark plugs are worn out, replace them with new ones.

2. Check the ignition coils

The ignition coils are responsible for providing the spark plugs with the electricity they need to ignite the air-fuel mixture. If the ignition coils are faulty, they can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to the check engine light blinking and the car shaking. To check the ignition coils, use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the terminals. If the resistance is too high or too low, the ignition coil is faulty and needs to be replaced.

3. Check the fuel injector

The fuel injector is responsible for spraying the fuel into the cylinders. If the fuel injector is clogged or faulty, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to the check engine light blinking and the car shaking. To check the fuel injector, remove it from the engine and inspect it for any signs of clogging or damage. If the fuel injector is clogged, clean it with a fuel injector cleaner. If the fuel injector is faulty, replace it with a new one.

4. Check the mass airflow sensor

The mass airflow sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of air that is entering the engine. If the mass airflow sensor is faulty, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to the check engine light blinking and the car shaking. To check the mass airflow sensor, disconnect it from the engine and inspect it for any signs of damage. If the mass airflow sensor is damaged, replace it with a new one.

5. Check the oxygen sensor

The oxygen sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. If the oxygen sensor is faulty, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to the check engine light blinking and the car shaking. To check the oxygen sensor, remove it from the exhaust system and inspect it for any signs of damage. If the oxygen sensor is damaged, replace it with a new one.

6. Check the catalytic converter

The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing the emissions from the exhaust system. If the catalytic converter is clogged or damaged, it can cause the engine to run poorly, which can lead to the check engine light blinking and the car shaking. To check the catalytic converter, have a mechanic inspect it for any signs of clogging or damage. If the catalytic converter is clogged or damaged, it will need to be replaced.

7. Check the exhaust system

The exhaust system is responsible for carrying the exhaust gases away from the engine. If the exhaust system is clogged or damaged, it can cause the engine to run poorly, which can lead to the check engine light blinking and the car shaking. To check the exhaust system, have a mechanic inspect it for any signs of clogging or damage. If the exhaust system is clogged or damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.

If you are experiencing a check engine light blinking and car shaking, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage to your car and can even be dangerous.