The blinking is a strong indication of approaching danger. Most experienced auto owners, on the other hand, will swiftly take their vehicles in for inspection. Others, however, may not take the situation seriously. We’ll look at the causes of check engine light blinking car shaking in this article.
Your car’s check engine light, also known as a malfunction indicator lamp, is a warning feature that alerts you to a problem with the vehicle’s powertrain. Your engine or transmission might be the powertrain.
It can include an all-wheel-drive aspect if you have an all-wheel drive. Basically, whatever you need to get your car moving is considered part of the powertrain. As a result, these are the most likely systems affected when the check engine light flashes.
- What Does It Mean?
- How They Light Up
- An Engine Misfire
- Why Does It Light Up?
- Concerns
- What Should You Do?
- Repair Costs
- Final Verdict
What Is The Meaning Of The Check Engine Light?
Your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system includes a check engine light, a service engine light, and a malfunction indicator lamp. The electronic control module (ECM), which is part of your vehicle’s computer, is in charge of the system.
The electronic control module now controls almost every electronic or electrical system in your vehicle. It also investigates out-of-range operational parameters conveyed by the numerous actuators and sensors, such as:
- Idle Motor Speed
- Solenoid for Idle Air
- Solenoid EGR
- Canister Purge Solenoid
- A Fuel Pump
- Fuel Injectors
- Sensor for an Air Meter
- Sensor for Evaporative Emissions
- Sensors for the Camshaft and Crankshaft
- Detector for Knocking
- Oxygen Detector
- Sensor for Engine Coolant
An actuator or a sensor, for example, may detect a misfire, erratic fuel pump functioning, odd output voltage, inadequate fuel injection, or any other scenario that could affect engine emissions or performance.
Usually, your vehicle’s computer system would wait for a few cycles or try to fix the problem. When the computer cannot resolve the issue, a diagnostic fault code is placed in the onboard diagnostics system’s memory, which causes the check engine light blinking car shaking.
What Are The Various Engine Light illuminations?
The check engine light indicates that there is a problem with your engine. The intensity of the effect is determined by the way the light is illuminated.
The check engine light can glow in three different ways:
1. Continuous Illumination:
When the engine light is merely on, meaning it is not flashing, then there is no severe problem with your vehicle, and the fix should be simple and inexpensive. The check engine light may flash at first, then remain steady.
2. Intermittent Illumination:
A soft failure occurs when the check engine lamp illuminates for a short period of time before turning off on its own. Mild failure is caused by several factors. For example, if a wire is broken and continues to connect and detach, the check engine light will illuminate and deactivate correspondingly. It will be indicated by the check engine light flashing and then stopping.
3. Continuous Flashing:
If the check engine light is flashing continuously, it indicates that there is an emergency. You must come to a complete stop and request towing to transport the car to a qualified repair facility.
What Does A Blinking Check Engine Light Indicate?
The check engine light will illuminate if your car’s control system detects problems it can’t handle. In addition, the computer’s memory will contain a trouble code. The primary purpose of the code is to figure out what’s causing the problem.
You’ll need a diagnostic computer or an electronic scan tool to decipher the code. There are also a number of low-cost code scanners available for the home. Typically, the code will just point you in the right direction, but you’ll need a professional to complete a full diagnosis and repair.
Overview Of Check Engine Light Blinking Car Shaking
Check engine light blinking car shaking is a sure symptom of problems. Misfires, low fuel pressure, or broken spark plugs can all produce check engine light blinking car shaking. It’s also worth noting that a faulty idle air control valve might cause the engine’s idle to decrease dramatically.
The motor may vibrate or tremble unnaturally as a result of this. This can result in a loss of power that vibrates throughout the engine, causing other problems like fuel timing and ignition. The motor develops a disproportion when a misfire occurs, creating a check engine light blinking car shaking.
A broken engine mount is another issue that can cause the check engine light blinking car shaking. Engine mounts are rubber-mounted props that hold the engine in place against the vehicle’s chassis.
Heavy vibration or shaking will occur if the mounts deteriorate or fail. If your check engine light blinking car shaking, I strongly advise you to get your vehicle inspected and diagnosed by a professional.
What Exactly Is An Engine Misfire?
The car engine consists of a series of cylinders where air and gasoline mix and ignite to create the vehicle’s power. The check engine light will begin blinking if one or more cylinders experience a problem and cannot function properly.
The reason could be that the car couldn’t burn the gasoline, the air/fuel ratio wasn’t accurate, and so on. If you’re wondering why my check engine light blinking car shaking, you’ve come to the right place. It could be a misfire in the engine.
What Should You Be Looking For?
First and foremost, is the light still flashing, or did it only appear to flash? It will be easy to see because it is in the center of the dashboard. It’s red or yellow in color and engine-shaped.
Is it sure that it is flashing? Is the light, for example, on and off for more than 6 seconds? If yes, you’ve got a problem.
The diagnosis is not as poor if the light is only turned on. Regardless of the issue, you should be able to continue on your journey. However, if the flash continues, the car could be seriously damaged. Stop driving if you don’t want to be hit with a considerably larger bill.
Stop If You Have To:
It will get worse if you’re not stopping, regardless of how unpleasant it is. Continuing to drive will cause further damage to the vehicle. It will give you a chance to analyze the harm when you have stopped. In addition, some vehicles provide information in the owner’s manual concerning potential problems. If this isn’t the case, there are diagnostic apps available.
Other Issues:
The next step is to seek out other problems. The flashing light may be only part of the story. Your senses can warn you of an issue in the same way that light can. As a result, listen for any noises coming from the engine.
Are you also able to drive in a straight line and manage the steering wheel? Furthermore, inspect the vehicle to see if there is any smoke coming from the front or back. Is the vehicle stable, or is it swaying? Your senses, in addition to using equipment, can help you get closer to a diagnosis.
What Is The Purpose Of Check Engine Light Blinking Car Shaking?
Fortunately, carmakers have installed gadgets that warn drivers when they are in danger. Lights flash for a variety of causes, the only one in common being that they are awful. The fact that the engine light becomes red indicates that it could be dangerous.
It’s also known as the Malfunction Indicator Light, and it warns you when the computer detects a problem. You’ll want to know what’s wrong with your vehicle because there are literally thousands of potential trouble codes. The following are some of the most severe issues of check engine light blinking car shaking.
Issues With The Oxygen Sensor
The sensor’s job is to check the oxygen levels in the exhaust system. As a result, the computer receives the data and adjusts the fuel and air mixture. When there is a problem, the car will use more fuel than usual. As a result, the car will emit more pollutants than usual.
Defect In The Ignition System
If the ignition system’s spark plugs, coils, or seals have failed or are leaking, the check engine light blinking car shaking. One of the most prevalent causes of a misfire is human error. A misfire can occur when oil leaks into the combustion chamber, preventing the spark required for the explosion.
If unburned oil gets through the exhaust manifold and into the catalytic converter, it can have the same impact as unburned fuel. Changing spark plugs or O-ring seals are two simple maintenance treatments you can perform at home to see if the problem is resolved.
Engine Damage Or A Problem With An Engine Component
Even if engine damage does not directly harm the catalytic converter, it may cause the check engine light blinking car shaking. Damage to the timing chain, valves, and pistons are all uncommon causes, but they are among the most damaging.
Other indicators of engine damage, such as loud engine noises, a rocking car, or even engine cutoff, would most likely come before or while any warning lights illuminate. Any damage to an engine component could cause the entire engine to fail, necessitating its replacement.
An Issue With The Fuel System
Your check engine light blinking car shaking if a fuel system component breaks, a sensor sends incorrect data to the ECU, or another system sensor receives faulty data. A fuel system problem is the most common cause of an engine misfire.
Depending on conditions like throttle position and air intake, different amounts of fuel are fed to the engine. If one of these sensors fails, the engine may receive more or less fuel than it requires.
Leakage Of Fuel
Another possible cause of check engine light blinking car shaking is a fuel leak. Fuel may be pumped to the engine, but the engine would never receive it. It’s also possible that fuel is seeping around or within the engine.
Faulty Fuel Cap
The check engine light blinking car shaking if there is a problem. It’s possible that the fuel cap has a crack in it. Indeed, a vapor leak could be the cause of this scenario. It may be really bad if it’s the higher part of the fuel system. Tightening the cap is the first thing to try. Stop and seek assistance if the light does not turn off despite this.
Faulty Catalytic Converter
This reduces the amount of pollution emitted by automobiles. The catalytic converter removes hazardous pollutants like carbon monoxide from the atmosphere. If this is not corrected, even more money will be spent on fuel.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
The mass airflow sensor is in charge of determining how much fuel should be delivered to the air/fuel mixture. Simple problems, such as a filthy air filter, could cause this sensor to fail. It is not an emergency to repair a mass airflow sensor; you can still drive your car.
A failed mass airflow sensor, on the other hand, can have a substantial impact on your fuel efficiency, as well as low automobile performance and a noisy engine when accelerating. Because the MAF sensor is more complicated than the other issues causing an engine misfire, you must take your vehicle to a professional mechanic to get it repaired.
Plugs For The Ignition System
As part of your routine car maintenance, spark plugs should be replaced. If you do not adhere to your mechanic’s maintenance schedule, you risk having burnt or broken spark plugs, which will cause the check engine light blinking car shaking.
Problem With The Charging System
The battery, in addition to the spark plugs, should be examined regularly. It’s just as crucial, and doing so may eliminate the need for a jump start.
Failing Ignition Coil
Ignition coils convert voltage to volts and cause the spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture. It is suggested that you check/replace your entire ignition system if you have ever had malfunctioning ignition coils.
Overheating Of The Engine
A high engine temperature indicates that there are serious problems with the engine. As a result, if you’ve determined that the engine is overheating, you should turn off your car and call for help.
Failure Of Cylinder Gasket
Another big issue that you should try to avoid is cylinder gasket failure. The engine oil or coolant might seep into the cylinder if the cylinder head gasket fails. A total engine failure may occur if engine oil or coolant spills into the cylinder, and repairing it, if possible, is exceedingly expensive.
Low Compression Issues
If there is a leak in the air/fuel mixture, the cylinders will not have adequate pressure, causing the check engine light blinking car shaking, producing little power, and accelerate slowly.
Piston Head Failure
Another typical cause of engine misfire that results in the check engine light blinking car shaking is piston head failure. A piston head failure is extremely costly to repair.
Faulty ECU Or Other Sensors
ECU failure is uncommon, but it does happen. If it happens, it will almost certainly be accompanied by a slew of other issues. Aside from the ECU, your vehicle has between 60 and 200 various sensors trying to keep it running smoothly.
Although not every one of these is critical to emissions, fuel supply, or engine running, if one (or more) of them fails, the ECU may check engine light blinking car shaking. An OBD II scanner will inform you which sensor is malfunctioning in these scenarios.
Faulty Engine Mount
A broken engine mount is another possibility that will cause your check engine light blinking car shaking. Engine mounts can wear out and snap off, whether due to normal wear and tear or because your car has been driven a lot.
This could result in extreme shaking, damaging seals, other screws, and wiring throughout the engine. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as you have a safe place to do so if you experience check engine light blinking car shaking.
Defective EGR Valve And EVAP System
It’s possible that both the EVAP system and the EGR valve are malfunctioning. Evaporative Emissions Control, or EVAP, is a system that reduces the number of gasoline fumes released by a vehicle’s gas tank.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation, or EGR, is a system that recirculates exhaust gases back to a vehicle’s intake to reduce hazardous emissions. A car’s emissions system is affected when either of these systems fails, and check engine light blinking car shaking.
Unscrewing and reinstalling the gas cap is a typical and surprisingly simple solution to this problem. This does not always solve the problem, but you’ll be amazed at how often it does.
Concerns Regarding Check Engine Light Blinking Car Shaking
There are other concerns when the light is on, and the car is shaking. To begin, you should assume that the cylinder is broken. All of the cylinders should fire, allowing air and fuel to flow through the system. The engine will not function properly if this does not occur. When this happens, the shaking will become noticeable.
Problems that cause the light to come on will also cause the car to shake. It could be spark plugs, but it’s also possible that they’re coiled. They are the source of the sparks. As a result, if the spark does not develop, it is time to get them examined.
A third possibility will be provided with the intake manifold gasket. A flaw causes overheating because they function as a seal. The smell of coolant is yet another sign that the gasket is faulty. As a result, you’ll need to figure out why your check engine light blinking car shaking.
The engine mount is the next component to inspect. Additionally, if this element of the engine is broken, you may experience check engine light blinking car shaking. There will be shaking because the mount is no longer attached to the automobile structure.
What Should I Do If My Check Engine Light Blinking Car Shaking?
There are several options available to you. You can take your vehicle to a nearby dealership and get it diagnosed completely. Dealerships are usually well-versed in a wide range of cars. Chevy Cobalt, for example, is a wonderful option because they know their automobiles exceptionally well.
Numerous independent shops specialize in various manufacturers, including Acura, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, GMC, and others. You can even bring your car to one of these shops for a complete diagnosis. The third alternative is to get your own OBD-II scanner and perform a DIY project.
Each of these alternatives has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. You’ll almost certainly be charged a diagnostic fee if you take your car to a dealership or an independent shop. The good news is that they will have all of the necessary information and tools to make an accurate diagnosis.
You can save money on diagnostics by using your own OBD-II scanner. You may not, however, have all of the necessary repair and diagnostic information. It’s also possible that you don’t have the necessary diagnostic equipment to diagnose your car’s issue accurately.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Check Engine Light Blinking Car Shaking?
While the cost of repairing an engine misfire varies depending on the vehicle’s make, model, and year, there are some average costs to give you an idea of what to expect. Furthermore, the cost of repairing an engine misfire is determined by the nature of the problem. You might either pay a low price or a very expensive price.
For example, replacing a spark plug will take around an hour of labor in addition to the cost of the parts, which are usually cheap. Similarly, if you need to replace the ignition coil, expect to pay around $300, not including labor.
On the other hand, if your engine has a significant problem, the cost will be substantially higher. A blown head gasket, for example, is expensive and time-consuming to repair. The cost of replacing your car’s catalytic converter might go into hundreds of dollars.
Facts: How to Diagnose a Misfire Causing a Blinking Check Engine Light and Shaking Car
- A blinking check engine light and a shaking sensation in a car is often caused by a misfire, which is usually due to faulty spark plugs or ignition coils.
- If you experience a blinking check engine light and shaking, it’s best to stop driving and pull over to a safe area to prevent further damage.
- To diagnose a misfire, you can scan for any troubleshooting codes using a scan tool, which may indicate a specific cylinder or a random misfire.
- You can check the ignition coils and spark plugs to determine the cause of the misfire, starting with testing for a spark to ensure that the ignition system is working properly.
- Ignition coils and spark plugs are worn parts, and it’s recommended to replace all of them if they’ve been in use for some time and are faulty.
- The spark plug could cause the coil to fail if there’s too large of a gap or the spark plug is faulty, which causes the coil to work harder and overheat.
- If the misfire does not follow the ignition coil, you should check the spark plugs next, including inspecting the spark plug well for debris or fluids like coolant or oil.
- If the misfire persists after checking the ignition coils and spark plugs, it may be due to something mechanical like a fuel injector, piston, or valves not sealing properly.
- An advanced scan tool that can graph can help diagnose a misfire more easily, allowing you to select individual cylinders and see how many misfires occur.
- Diagnosing a misfire in an engine with more cylinders can be more challenging, requiring the removal of parts like the intake plenum and air intake hose to access the ignition coils on the backside, and checking the firing order of the cylinders.
Check Engine Light Blinking Car Shaking, Final Verdict:
A flashing check engine light indicates that there is a problem with your engine. If the light is only illuminating, the engine problem isn’t a major one that will cost a lot of money to rectify. If the light is constantly flashing, however, it is an indication of a serious engine problem, and you should pull over as soon as possible and tow your vehicle to a skilled repair.
Other signs of a flashing engine include a shaky or vibrating car, jerky engine sound, rotten egg odor coming from the tailpipe, white or blue smoke coming from the exhaust, and more. The vehicle computer will generate a code detailing the problem.
You could either use a tool to explain what this code means to you, or you could simply ask a skilled technician to do so. It’s always a good idea to figure out why your check engine light blinking car shaking.
