Check Engine Light Blinking And Car Shaking: Reasons To Be Aware!
There are many types of concerns that a car owner experiences with the vehicle in a lifetime and check engine light blinking and car shaking is one of them.
The check engine light is a sign that shows something is malfunctioning in the engine. The engine light can show up on a minor fault in your engine as well as some serious issue.
In both cases, you should pay attention to the cause and get it repaired as soon as possible.
Today, we will learn more about what the flashing and shaking engine light could possibly mean and what your options are. Let’s head to point!
- Check Engine Light Blinking And Car Shaking: Understanding The Process!
- The Possible Reasons Behind A Shaking Car
- What Are Your Options On Any Of These Issues?
- FAQs on Check Engine Light Blinking And Car Shaking
- Is it safe to drive if my car’s engine shakes?
- How far can you go with a flashing check engine light on and car shaking?
- Can a low oil level result in a flashing engine light?
- Why is my check engine light blinking and then turning off when accelerating?
- When the check engine light blinks, what is the first thing to inspect?
Check Engine Light Blinking And Car Shaking: Understanding The Process!
Different sensors and actuators in your car work to detect any malfunctioning and register this information with your car’s computer system. In the case of a shaking car, the check engine light appears on your dashboard.
When this Check Engine Light blinks continuously instead of appearing steadily, it represents a more serious issue rather than one that can be avoided.
Hence, taking the car to a professional is always a wise move. However, you should always have clarity about the causes that make an issue happen to your car.
The Possible Reasons Behind A Shaking Car
The primary culprit that makes your check engine light blinking and car shaking is a malfunctioning cylinder.
Every cylinder in your engine is supposed to play its part or fire to pass the mixture of fuel and air in the system.
When the cylinder does not work as expected or it does not pass the fuel and air every time the crankshaft turns, it misfires.
As a result, the engine runs rough and it makes the overall car shakes and check engine light on.
Now, why the cylinder does not play its part can be because of several reasons? The first reason can be the worn spark plugs.
In most cases, these plugs work well for up to 100,000 miles and if you do not replace them timely, they are likely to create an issue with the cylinder’s functioning.
The second reason can be the out of order coils. Coils are responsible to produce the spark that the cylinder needs to fire whenever the crankshaft happens.
Thus, you can have the coil checked too by a repairer and go with the replacement if it is needed.
All these can be reasons why your cylinder does not fire when it should (Photo: depositphotos)
Some more reasons!
The third reason for the check engine light is on and car is shaking issue can be a faulty intake manifold gasket. These gaskets work as a seal and when the seal loses its ability, it causes the engine to overheat.
Other than an overheating engine, if you can smell the coolant leak, it is a symptom that there is something wrong with the gasket. A broken engine mount also serves as a reason that is enough to produce vibration while you drive.
The mount keeps the engine attached with the frame of the car. And when the mount wears off, you experience a shaking car. All these can be reasons why your cylinder does not fire when it should.
This issue needs to be tackled right away as driving with the check engine light flashing and car shaking will damage the components further. It will charge you more dollars, and that is not what anyone wants.
What Are Your Options On Any Of These Issues?
The first and recommended option for car shaking and engine light on is to take the car to a local dealership or the repair center where a particular brand of cars are repaired.
As the people working here are professionals and they have the knowledge about a particular brand, it comes as an advantage.
The second option is about taking your car to an independent car repair center. Repairers working at these centers work all the vehicles regardless of the brands. Plus they charge you less than local dealerships.
As the third option, you can go DIY if you have sound knowledge about reading the code form using the OBD-II scanner and perform the repair accordingly.
There are many websites out there selling the scanners and these are usually cheap devices.
Nonetheless, an inexperienced car owner should not opt for the DIY option. It can do more damage to your car.
The second option is about taking your car to an independent car repair center (Photo: Toyota)
FAQs on Check Engine Light Blinking And Car Shaking
Is it safe to drive if my car’s engine shakes?
If you notice continuous shaking in your automobile, it’s advisable to address the issue straight away before continuing to drive.
Driving with the car shaking and check engine light on can result in more damaged components, ruined tires, and other costly problems that might have been prevented with a fast trip to your repair.
How far can you go with a flashing check engine light on and car shaking?
Because the severity of the problem varies, there is no defined time restriction.
However, driving for more than a few miles with a blinking check engine light is typically not recommended.
To avoid endangering yourself or others, have the car towed to a repair facility rather than driving it.
Can a low oil level result in a flashing engine light?
Low oil pressure is a typical reason for the check engine light to illuminate, and it can drastically impair your vehicle’s performance.
If this is the case, your oil light will usually illuminate.
Why is my check engine light blinking and then turning off when accelerating?
Something is amiss with your engine if your check engine light is flashing. You must pull over and turn off your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
When accelerating, the check engine light flashes, and white exhaust appears and disappears, indicating a stuck fuel injector.
When the check engine light blinks, what is the first thing to inspect?
You should always check your gas cap first. Many cars include a loose gas cap indication, which will activate before your check engine light illuminates.
If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, vapor leakage might cause the check engine light to illuminate.
Observe the dashboard lights regularly and note which symbol is showing up in which color. (Photo: wheelzine)
Conclusion
Now you know that faulty spark plugs, worn out coils or a leaking gasket can be the reason for the check engine light blinking and car shaking.
Observe the dashboard lights regularly and note which symbol is showing up in which color.
When you see any of the symbols in white, blue, and green lights, there is nothing to be worried about. However, yellow and red lights recommend taking your car for a checkup.
Here, the self-diagnostic system can be a great help but if you do not possess enough auto knowledge, we recommend you to visit a car care professional.
Check Engine Light Flashing And Car Shaking: 9 Causes & Fixes
Picture this: you’re cruising along, and suddenly, your car starts shaking, accompanied by a flashing check engine light. It’s more than just unsettling; it’s a sign that your vehicle is crying out for help. Let’s unravel the mystery behind these alarming signals, diving into the nine common causes and their fixes, ensuring you’re equipped to navigate this bumpy ride with confidence.
A flashing check engine light indicates a severe engine problem that needs immediate attention. The common causes of cylinder misfires are a faulty ignition coil, bad spark plugs, or a bad engine sensor, which may result in a lack of fuel in the combustion chamber. If the car only shakes when idling, it could be due to a problem with the idle air control valve.
Read on to learn more about the various causes of vehicle shake accompanied by a check engine light and how to address such issues, should they arise in the future.
9 Causes of Car Shaking While Check Engine Light Is Blinking
If your car’s check engine light flashes and your car is shaking, you may want to find out why. Here are some of the reasons why:
#1 Cylinder Misfire
A cylinder misfire occurs when one or more cylinders in the engine fail to ignite correctly, resulting in a loss of power and rough idling. This issue is a common cause of a car shaking while the Check Engine Light is blinking.
It can be caused by various factors, including worn or damaged spark plugs, a faulty ignition coil, or a fuel delivery problem. Failure to promptly address a misfiring engine can damage the catalytic converter, which is expensive to repair.
#2 Faulty Ignition Coil
The ignition coil plays a crucial role in the engine’s proper functioning. It converts the low voltage from the battery into the high voltage needed to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the engine’s cylinders. A faulty ignition coil can cause the engine to misfire, leading to a car shaking while the Check Engine Light is blinking.
Symptoms of a failing ignition coil include difficulty starting the engine, reduced fuel efficiency, and rough idling. Replacing a faulty ignition coil is necessary to restore your car’s proper functioning.
Also Read: Acura TL Check Charging System Warning (Causes + Solutions)
#3 Clogged Fuel Injector
A clogged fuel injector is another potential cause of a misfiring engine that can lead to a car shaking while the Check Engine Light is blinking. Fuel injectors can become clogged with debris or sediment over time, reducing fuel flow to the engine.
This can cause the engine to misfire or run unevenly. Other symptoms of a clogged fuel injector include reduced fuel efficiency, engine hesitation, and a noticeable decrease in power. Regular engine maintenance, such as fuel injector cleaning, can prevent this issue from occurring.
#4 Vacuum Leak
A vacuum leak is when air is drawn into the engine through a crack or hole in the intake manifold or vacuum hose. This can cause a lean fuel mixture, leading to a misfiring engine and a car shaking while the Check Engine Light is blinking.
Other symptoms of a vacuum leak include a rough idle, stalling, and poor acceleration. Diagnosing and repairing a vacuum leak may require specialized equipment, and it is best to seek professional help in this case.
#5 Damaged Spark Plug
The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel and air mixture in the engine’s cylinders. A damaged or worn spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, leading to a car shaking while the Check Engine Light is blinking.
Symptoms of a damaged spark plug include difficulty starting the engine, poor acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance, such as replacing spark plugs at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, can prevent this issue from occurring.
#6 Faulty Intake Manifold Gasket
The intake manifold gasket acts as a seal that ensures the proper flow of air and fuel into the engine. If this seal fails, it can cause a vacuum leak that disrupts the air/fuel mixture, leading to engine misfires and shaking.
In addition to car shaking, a faulty intake manifold gasket can cause other symptoms, such as engine overheating, loss of power, and decreased fuel efficiency. If left unchecked, it can also cause damage to the engine and other components.
#7 Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the engine’s exhaust system. A faulty oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run too rich or lean, leading to a misfiring engine and a car shaking while the Check Engine Light is blinking.
Also Read: Top 10 Common Reasons for a Clicking Noise When Driving
Other symptoms of a faulty oxygen sensor include reduced fuel efficiency and increased emissions. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor can help restore your car’s proper functioning.
#8 Low Fuel Pressure
The fuel system is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. Low fuel pressure can cause the engine to run lean, leading to a misfiring engine and a car shaking while the Check Engine Light is blinking.
Symptoms of low fuel pressure include difficulty starting the engine, poor acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency. Diagnosing and repairing low fuel pressure may require specialized equipment and professional help.
#9 Transmission Issues
In some cases, a car shaking while the Check Engine Light is blinking may be caused by transmission issues. A failing transmission can cause the car to shake or vibrate, especially when shifting gears. Other symptoms of transmission issues include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and strange noises.
How To Fix A Flashing Check Engine Light And Shaking Car?
The appropriate steps to fix a flashing Check Engine Light and shaking car depend on the root cause of the problem. However, here are some general steps that can help address the issue:
- Check the Trouble Code: A blinking Check Engine Light typically indicates a severe problem with the engine. You can use a diagnostic tool to retrieve the trouble code, which will provide more information about the underlying issue.
- Address the Root Cause: Once you have identified the root cause of the problem, you can take steps to address it. For instance, if the issue is a cylinder misfire, you may need to replace the spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors, depending on what is causing the misfire.
- Replace Faulty Parts: Replacing faulty parts is crucial to restoring your car’s proper functioning. Ignoring the problem can lead to more severe issues and costly repairs in the long run.
- Perform Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and air filter, can help prevent engine problems from occurring. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is essential to keep your car running smoothly.
- Seek Professional Help: Some issues, such as vacuum leaks and transmission problems, require specialized equipment and expertise to diagnose and repair. It is best to seek professional help to avoid causing further damage to your car.
Also Read: Breaking Down WHP vs. HP: What Sets Them Apart?
FAQs
What does a flashing Check Engine Light indicate?
A flashing Check Engine Light indicates a severe problem with the engine, such as a cylinder misfire, and requires immediate attention.
Can I still drive my car with a flashing Check Engine Light?
It is not recommended to drive your car with a flashing Check Engine Light as it can cause further damage to the engine and lead to costly repairs.
Can a shaking car be fixed by simply replacing spark plugs?
In some cases, replacing the spark plugs can fix a shaking car. However, diagnosing the underlying issue before replacing parts is crucial to avoid unnecessary expenses.
How much does it cost to fix a flashing Check Engine Light and shaking car?
The cost of fixing a flashing Check Engine Light and shaking car varies depending on the root cause of the problem and the cost of parts and labor. It is best to get an estimate from a professional mechanic.
Can regular maintenance prevent a flashing Check Engine Light and shaking car?
Performing regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and air filter, can help prevent engine problems from occurring. However, some issues may still arise despite regular maintenance, and it is essential to address them promptly.
Conclusion
A flashing Check Engine Light and a shaking car indicate a severe engine problem that requires immediate attention. The causes of this issue can range from simple fixes like replacing faulty spark plugs to more complex problems such as transmission issues.
Regular maintenance, proper diagnostic procedures, and seeking professional help when necessary can help address these problems and prevent more significant issues from occurring. Ignoring the issue can lead to more costly repairs and potentially dangerous situations. It’s essential to stay vigilant of any signs of a problem with your car’s engine and take prompt action to keep it running smoothly and safely.
My Check Engine Light Is Blinking and My Car Is Shaking! How to Diagnose Misfires
If your check engine light is blinking and your car is shaking, you’ll want to diagnose your car for a misfire. This is the most common reason a check engine light will flash and cause a rough running engine that can lose power. In this article and video, we review what can cause a flashing check engine light and a shaking sensation in your car, and how to tell if a misfire is causing this yourself by diagnosing the ignition system.
Why Is My Check Engine Light Blinking and My Car Shaking?
Bad Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils Causing a Misfire
Faulty spark plugs and ignition coils are the most common reason for a running rough engine that causes shaking and a flashing check engine light. The shaking is usually from a misfire, and it’s common for the check engine light to flash for ignition-related codes. You might also notice a reduction in power.
What Should I Do If My Check Engine Light Is Blinking and My Car Is Shaking?
If you have a flashing check engine light and notice shaking, it’s best to stop driving and pull over to a safe area to prevent damage to other parts.
How to Diagnose the Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs
The engine used in this example is a 4 cylinder, which is easier to diagnose. We also have tips on how to diagnose a 6 cylinder engine.
Steps to diagnose the cause of a shaking car and blinking check engine light
- Scan for Codes with a Scan Tool Take a scan tool and scan for any troubleshooting codes. You may find you have a code like P0300, which is a general misfire code. You may also find codes related to a specific cylinder. The number at the end of the P0300 code indicates a specific cylinder, like cylinder 3 for P0303. If there was a check engine light on for code P0303, this would mean one cylinder, specifically cylinder 3, is misfiring, and you will only have 7 working cylinders if your engine is a V8, 5 working cylinders if your engine is a V6, etc.
You may also find you have two cylinders not working, or you may pull a code for a random misfire.
This is a coil-over-plug set up which is a common system in today’s cars. The computer sends a signal to the ignition coil, which sends a high electrical voltage to the spark plug. The spark in the spark plug then ignites the fuel and creates the combustion needed to get the engine working correctly.
In this example, all of the ignition coils and spark plugs are the same design, so one test you can try by disconnecting the ignition coil and swapping it with another to see if the misfire follows.
Sometimes the ignition coil boot can rip. Our mechanic removed the ignition coil and the rubber boot remained stuck inside the cylinder, which may be the problem. The boot can stick if dielectric grease is or was not added.
In our case the misfire followed the ignition coil, so we know the problem is the ignition coil and we’ll be replacing it.
If it’s been some time since the coils have failed, we recommend replacing all of the coils and spark plugs. Ignition coils are a wear part, and if it’s been in use and is faulty, the others probably aren’t far behind.
The spark plug could have caused coil to fail. If there’s too large of a gap on the spark plug or the spark plug is faulty, the coil will work harder and overheat, causing failure.
Check the condition of the spark plug. Inspect it for excessive carbon build-up. If the ground tab is missing, that’s also not a good sign and means there’s probably some other kind of mechanical damage.
If the spark plug gap is closed, maybe it was pushed down or dropped, or maybe the gap was affected and not resized. Regardless, this will also be noticeable and won’t happen after long periods of driving.
Check the porcelain and look for signs of arching out. This means it’s not sealing properly. Since there needs to be a seal, there could be an issue with the boot. If there’s no seal, the spark isn’t going to the spark plug, but coming out of the coil and arcing and grounding out. This can create a black line that looks similar to electricity.
Then swap the spark plug with one in another cylinder and see if the misfire follows. Put the spark plug in by hand and then tighten it. If the misfire does follow the spark plug, it needs to be replaced. We recommend replacing all of the spark plugs, since most are going to fail.
In this case, the electrode was touching the ground. If the misfire still doesn’t follow, then the ignition coil and spark plug are probably not the cause of the misfire. You may have problems with the fuel injector or something mechanical that’s not giving you compression, like the piston or valves not sealing properly.If you do not have a code for a specific cylinder but a general P0300 misfire code and you don’t have a scan tool that can graph the misfire, you can connect an inline spark tester. Connect one end to ignition coil and one end to the spark plug. Then start vehicle and see if you have spark. Don’t touch anything near it or you could ground it out or hurt yourself. You can do this for each coil and see if lights up. If it doesn’t light up while running and you don’t see a spark from the coil, then you know its faulty.
How to Check a Misfire with a Scan tool that can Graph
It’s easier to see a misfire with a scan tool that can graph. You can select the individual cylinders. Then start the vehicle and you can see how many misfires occur.
When installing a new spark plug and ignition coil, it’s good practice to check the gap before installing the spark plug.
If your engine has more cylinders, it will be harder to diagnose the ignition coil. There’s usually an intake plenum that needs to be removed or loosened and moved to the side. You may have to remove other parts like the air intake hose to access the ignition coils on the backside
You’ll also want to check the firing order of the cylinders. Some alternate the firing order, and it depends on the vehicle. For a V6, move both the coil and plug and see if the misfire follows so you know it’s one of the two. Then you can work from the front and diagnose the coil or plug further, or find out what else is causing the misfire.
Check Engine Light Flashing And Car Shaking: 9 Causes & Fixes
My Check Engine Light Is Blinking and My Car Is Shaking! How to Diagnose Misfires
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