Check Engine Light Flashing And Car Sputtering (What To Do?)

A check engine light that is flashing must not be ignored. A flashing check engine light means a significant problem and might need an immediate vehicle repair. So if your check engine light is flashing, you might need to pull over and then call for a tow service.

If you continue driving your vehicle with a flashing check engine light, it can cause significant damages to your internal components. For example, a blown catalytic converter is a repair that can cost you about $2,500. This is a result of driving your car with a flashing check engine light.

This type of problem can cause damage to the oxygens sensors and some other emission system components. An engine misfire is a common cause of a flashing check engine light. A lot of reasons can cause a misfire.

This article will talk about checking engine lights that are flashing and car sputtering. Let us start.

Table of Contents

Why Is My Check Engine Light Flashing And Car Sputtering?

If the check engine light is illuminated and it is flashing, this can mean that your vehicle’s engine is misfiring. This can also explain that each time your cylinder would fire, it will cause the engine to be rough for a second. The higher the RPM will go, the more times the misfiring cylinder will be required to fire.

With that, the rough running engine will happen the entire time. This is because the cylinder can be misfiring a lot of times. You might need a certified technician to look at your ignition system and diagnose the shaking and the sputtering problem.

The inspection will cover the spark plugs, the ignition coils, and all the wirings connected with the two parts. The most common cause of the issue that you might have is faulty spark plugs or faulty ignition coils.

If your spark plug is the reason for your misfire, it is advised to replace all the spark plugs for best maintenance practices. And if the ignition coil is the problem, it is okay to replace one because each of the spark plugs has its ignition coil in your engine, and it would not affect the other cylinders.

What To Do When Your Check Engine Light Flashing And Car Sputtering?

There is no single answer to this because you need to find out why your check engine light is flashing and why your car is sputtering. So the first thing to do is have your vehicle checked by an expert.

They will know what’s wrong. Then, you can base it there on what to do.

Can I Drive My Car With The Check Engine Light Flashing?

If your check engine light flashes, you cannot drive that vehicle. It can misfire on your engine. This can cause irreversible damage because of the catalytic converter if you keep on during.

You can cause additional damages if you keep driving your vehicle, even if your check engine light is flashing. You will also spend more money on other repairs.

So do not do it. Just have your vehicle towed by a certified mechanic to have it for repair.

How Long Can You Drive With A Flashing Check Engine Light?

The check engine light is usually lit up if it is slid, and you can drive your vehicle for hundreds of miles without experiencing any problems. This is because the computer in your car can store various codes. If you have a faulty engine sensor, your vehicle will typically use a set of false sensor values so that it will keep on running.

How Far Can You Drive With Blinking Check Engine Light?

If your check engine light is blinking, people ask how far they can drive it. You can go about fifty or one hundred miles after you clear the computer of your vehicle. Your vehicle’s computer will monitor all the sensors and register the results as wild drive.

Summary

In summary, many car drivers are asking what to do if their check engine light is flashing and their vehicle sputters. There are plenty of reasons why you check if the engine light is flashing and your car is sputtering.

However, it is essential to know the sole reason to find the solution. Just find out the exact reason so that you can know the solution.

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