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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.
See "Related Questions" below for more
There are two directions to go with this:
- What to do when the engine light is on
- Some information on a 'mis-firing' engine
See "Related Questions" below for more information on both of these…
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.
What else can I help you with?
How do you get check engine codes without an obd?
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.
Why does an 82 Buick Regal check engine light stay on and never blink during diagnostics?
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/
Can water in the gas tank cause check engine light to flash?
Yes, water can cause a misfire, which will cause the check engine light to flash.
Retrieving Toyota check engine code without scanner?
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.
Why does my check engine light blink on and off on my ford f-150?
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.
What makes a check engine light flash?
An engine cylinder misfire has been detected
Why does my check engine light flash on a 1999 mercury mystique?
If your check engine light is flashing , an engine cylinder misfire has been detected
Why check engine lights flash on 1997 Chevy astro van?
A flashing check engine light is an indication of a misfire.
2000 Chrysler cirrus what would make the check engine light flash?
A flashing check engine light is an indication of a severe engine misfire.
Why does the check engine light flash on a 2003 Pontiac Sunfire?
If a check engine light is flashing that means an engine cylinder misfire has been detected
Why don't your turn signals on your 1994 potiac grand prix flash?
have you check all the bulbs? if one of the bulbs are bad they will light up, but will not blink.
How do you reset the check engine light on 2002 Chevy Tracker?
with a scan tool on some cars you can disconnect the battery a few minutes and the computer resets Upon further invesigation I withdraw my answer (below). Apparently 1996 and newer cars have and OBD2 Computer, which means you have to pay a lot more to get the code. Sorry if I threw anybody off prevously. [The easiest way I have found is to turn the ignition on and off three times (on, off, on, off, on). When you do this, the check engine light will flash the trouble code (ie. blink-blink-blink..pause..blink-blink = 32). If you have a repair manual, the codes should be listed in there. I have done this with every car I've owned it's way cheaper than spending the money on a scan tool that will tell you the same thing.]
