Why Is My Engine Light Blinking and My Car Shaking?
Causes of a Blinking Engine Light and Car Shaking
When your engine light starts blinking and your car starts shaking, it can be a sign of a serious problem. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Misfiring Engine
A misfiring engine is one in which one or more of the cylinders is not firing properly. This can cause the engine to shake and the engine light to blink. Misfiring can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Faulty spark plugs
- Bad ignition coils
- Vacuum leaks
- Fuel injector problems
2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. If the oxygen sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the engine computer, which can cause the engine to run rich or lean. This can lead to engine shaking and the engine light blinking.
3. Catalytic Converter Problems
The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing emissions from the exhaust gas. If the catalytic converter is clogged or damaged, it can cause the engine to shake and the engine light to blink.
4. Transmission Problems
Transmission problems can also cause the engine light to blink and the car to shake. This is because the transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. If the transmission is slipping or not shifting properly, it can cause the engine to shake and the engine light to blink.
What to Do If Your Engine Light Is Blinking and Your Car Is Shaking
If your engine light is blinking and your car is shaking, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Driving with a blinking engine light can damage your engine and lead to more serious problems.
Here are some steps you can take if your engine light is blinking and your car is shaking:
- Pull over to a safe location.
- Turn off the engine.
- Check the engine oil level and coolant level.
- If the engine oil level or coolant level is low, add more.
- Restart the engine.
- If the engine light is still blinking and the car is still shaking, call a tow truck.
Conclusion
If your engine light is blinking and your car is shaking, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Driving with a blinking engine light can damage your engine and lead to more serious problems.
