An illuminated check engine light means that the computer has found an emissions or Engine related fault.
A "flashing" check engine light tells you that the fault that has been detected needs to be repaired IMMEDIATELY, and that the fault can and will damage the catalyst..... Do not hesitate.
Get this checked NOW.
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There are two directions to go with this:
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More Information:
If your check engine light kicks on, I would either get an ODB 2 diag unit and plug it in and check for an error code, or I would let a shop do it.
On 1998 and 99 windstars a flashing MIL (check engine light) means that the computer has detected one or more misfiring cylinders. You will need to connect an OBDII compliant scanner to the datalink port under the dash on the drivers side to scan the computers trouble codes and determine which cylinders are misfiring.
That's the computer's way of saying "read my codes". You can borrow, rent or buy a code scanner from most auto parts retailers. Any time the light comes on like that it's indicating that the computer has detected a "fault code" meaning that something is wrong. The computer can tell you exactly what it means. There really is no way to guess and be anywhere near accurate, but probabilities are: oxygen sensor, EGR valve, map/maf sensor, misfire or any of a number of potential problems. The computer is trying to give you the best possible fuel economy and minimize emissions. If the computer has detected a fault it will be unable to be as effective.
If your check engine light is flashing when the engine is running that means
that an engine cylinder misfire has been detected ( if you are going to drive it
in for repair avoid any rapid acceleration / braking , you can damage the
catalytic converter )
On some if you turn key on, off, on, off, on. The check engine light may start to flash the code. blink, blink, bink, pause blink would be 31.
If the check engine light does not flash when in the diag mode, the problem is the computer. Could be as simple as a failed lamp driver but a failed computer is toast and will need to be replaced/
Yes, water can cause a misfire, which will cause the check engine light to flash.
Jumping the pin connector on the ECU will allow the check engine light to flash on the dash console. The check engine light will flash repeatedly and show codes.
The computer illuminates the "check engine" light when it detects a condition needing attention, such as a faulty sensor. The computer will FLASH the check engine light when the condition is significant and should be addressed immediately. You can purchase, rent or borrow a computer code scanner at most auto parts retailers such as Checker Auto Parts or Auto Zone.
An engine cylinder misfire has been detected
If your check engine light is flashing , an engine cylinder misfire has been detected
A flashing check engine light is an indication of a misfire.
A flashing check engine light is an indication of a severe engine misfire.
If a check engine light is flashing that means an engine cylinder misfire has been detected
If the check engine light is flashing it indicates that a cylinder misfire has been detected.
have you check all the bulbs? if one of the bulbs are bad they will light up, but will not blink.