Noticed my check engine light started blinking right after refueling. It stopped after like 20 seconds, but now I’m kinda worried. The light’s been on for a while, but this is the first time it blinked. Anyone know what’s up?
Blinking CEL usually means something serious. You should get it scanned ASAP.
Vail said:
Blinking CEL usually means something serious. You should get it scanned ASAP.
Yeah, usually misfire or something emissions-related. Do you have any error codes?
Vail said:
Blinking CEL usually means something serious. You should get it scanned ASAP.
Yeah, usually misfire or something emissions-related. Do you have any error codes?
Scanned it today… got P0301, P0401, and P0141. Not sure what that means tho.
Those codes mean you’ve got a cylinder misfire (P0301), EGR flow issue (P0401), and an oxygen sensor heater problem (P0141). The misfire is the most urgent one.
BillSmith said:
Those codes mean you’ve got a cylinder misfire (P0301), EGR flow issue (P0401), and an oxygen sensor heater problem (P0141). The misfire is the most urgent one.
So what should I do first? The car still drives fine.
@GARAGETOY
Start by checking your spark plugs and ignition coils. If they’re old, replacing them might fix the misfire.
If the ABS light is on too, that’s separate from the CEL. Have you had any brake issues?
Merrick said:
If the ABS light is on too, that’s separate from the CEL. Have you had any brake issues?
Nah, no brake issues. The ABS light came on a while ago, but I never got around to checking it.
If your check engine light was solid before and just started blinking, you might have caused some damage by driving it like that. Best to get it fixed soon.
Try clearing the codes after fixing the misfire and see if they come back. Sometimes an old oxygen sensor can trip multiple codes.