How to Diagnose a Flashing Check Engine Light and Shaking Car

Introduction

A flashing Check Engine light indicates an emissions system malfunction. The engine's trembling may indicate a failure, which releases unused fuel into the exhaust.

Since a malfunctioning spark plug or ignition circuit is probably the reason, fixing these engine parts should resolve the issue.

Stop driving if your car is shaking and your check engine light is blinking. Get off the road, pull over, and give the towing service a call.

Type of Flashing Check Engine Light

1. Constant Engine Light
   If the check engine light remains illuminated or stays steady without flickering, it indicates that there isn't a serious problem with the car. The necessary improvements that need to be made are simple and affordable.
2. Occasional Flashing
   If the check engine light blinks briefly and then turns off, it could be due to a faulty circuit that is intermittently connecting and disconnecting.
3. The Steady Flashing
   A flashing check engine light indicates a crisis in your vehicle. You should promptly arrange to have your car towed to a workshop, where a qualified mechanic can perform an inspection.

Common Causes

1. Defective, Broken, or Chocked Spark Plugs

The spark plugs generate the spark (flame) required to burn the fuel.

Causes:

• Simultaneous combustion of fuel and air does not take place which results in the engine malfunctions. This will create trembling, which will get worse as you accelerate.
• Spark plugs may eventually become clogged or show an improper gap, which can make ignition challenging or even impossible. This causes a misfire to start, which can only be put out with regular maintenance.

Fixation:

• Change the spark plugs of the car. You can either take your car to a professional or detach the fuel system to get the spark plugs replaced.
• Replace your spark plugs every 100,000 km to prevent potential damage to other spark plugs if one fails.

2. Damaged Ignition Coil

The ignition coils transmit the spark from the spark plugs to the cylinder, while distributing the current evenly.

Causes:

• Spark distribution issues can lead to cylinder misfires, either due to a lack of sparks or uneven spark distribution.
• The same symptoms as damaged spark plugs can result from this. Coils often show signs of failure from overheating.

Fixation:

• Change the ignition coil.
• It is recommended to consult an experienced technician for this service, as it involves more complications and is not as simple as replacing the spark plugs.

3. Problems with the Airflow Sensor

The Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF Sensor) assists in figuring out how much fuel to be supplied by determining how much air enters the motor.

Causes:

• Malfunctions may result from an uneven supply of air entering the engine due to a malfunctioning airflow sensor.
• The MAF sensors are prone to failure if the air filter is unclean or if the fitting was done incorrectly.
• A malfunctioning MAF sensor is not life-threatening. If you don't correct it your car engine shall perform worse and get less mileage.

Fixation:

• To prevent a malfunctioning air flow sensor from causing issues, people may attempt to work around it. Regrettably, this will ultimately result in significant damage to the engine. Avoid doing it.
• Find out the air sensor by reading your user's manual handbook and unscrewing it away from the engine, as it is probably dirty. Replace the sensor after using any MAF washer to clean it.
• The air sensor requires to be completely changed if cleaning or washing it doesn't fix the issue. Get a model-made MAF specifically for your car and install it.

4. Fuel Supply Problems

If the fuel injector malfunctions, it can prevent fuel from being injected into the cylinder, leading to a lack of combustion catalyst and a loss of power production. This can result in noticeable shaking of the car.

5. Loss of Compression

Engines with high mileage or vintage car models are more likely to experience a loss of compression.

Causes:

• Faulty piston rings
• Impaired pistons
• Problems related to the valves
• Head gasket malfunction can lead to an abrupt decrease in compression.

6. Damages Fuel Cap

The engine light blinking might occur from a fuel system vapor leakage.

Causes:

• malfunctioning, broken, or loose fuel cap.
• But occasionally, there can be a more serious leak in the upper part of the car's fuel system.

Fixation:

• If this happens, you must tighten or replace the fuel cap before driving on.
• Your car's check engine light ought to turn off after a short while of driving.
• If not, you should bring the automobile to your technician so they can look into it.

7. Catalytic Converter Collapse

The catalytic converter regulates the combustion system that powers the vehicle. Essentially, less dangerous pollutants are produced from the conversion of hazardous gases like carbon monoxide.

The efficiency of the car will suffer and you will have to pay more for fuel if the converter that removes pollutants starts to fail. It can be highly expensive to replace a catalytic converter.

Uncommon Causes

1. Problems with the Air Mixture

The engine could malfunction due to any disturbance in the airflow that needs the fuel and ignition to get combusted.

Causes:

• A skipped timing chain, that prevents air from flowing at a proper rate.
• a vacuum leakage, allowing tonnes of additional air to flow into the engine.

It should be noted that problems with air mixture always come with extra symptoms, including loud noises coming from your car's engine or the lack of power steering.

Fixation:

• Finding the source of an air mixture issue requires a bit more skill than most do-it-yourself mechanics have.
• Visit a trained mechanic to have an air mixture problem resolved.

2. Problems with the Crankshaft Sensor

The engine's crankshaft sensors keep an eye on the pistons to ensure they're turning at the right moment.

Causes:

• If the sensor is only causing the problem but the combustion chambers operate at the right moment, your car certainly won't shake.
• Your car may tremble if the piston firing has been triggered in any way by the sensor in your car.

Fixation: Consult a mechanic to have the crankshaft sensor fixed because it can be challenging to reach and calibrate.

3. Issues with the Emission Control Systems

A constant check engine light is a greater possibility that results from issues with the emission control systems, it may still flicker if there is an underlying issue.

Causes

• Toxicity vapors from the engine are directed to the catalytic converters by the exhaust system; nevertheless, in this case of a leak or other issue, those vapors could return to the cylinder and cause a sporadic misfire.

Fixation: Something as simple as a pipe repair or something more complex like a new catalytic converter could be required. Hire a professional to complete this repair because it involves handling hazardous fumes.

Diagnose the Correct Problem

1. Plug an OBD Reader

The device's trapezoid-shaped port can be found beneath the lowermost part of the driver's side dashboard.

Check to see if the ignition and engine are off before connecting the device. Now put the port and insert the key slightly to activate the ignition however, leave the engine off once attached.Once the scan button has been pressed, watch for the reader's response. It will soon show the codes that are stored on the computer. Put the codes in writing. The code that the OBD reader captured shall be shown. Recall that these are simply generalized diagnostic codes, not model-specific numbers for automobiles.

2. Check for Codes

Look for data about your code online, you'll find an abundance of forums and threads that might have details about individuals who repaired it and blogged about it.

3. Look Throughout, Remove, and Modify the Part

If you are unable to visit your neighborhood auto parts store, searching on the internet is the most convenient way to choose the part.

4. Removing the Code

Re-plug the OBD reader after making the required adjustments, and afterward hold down the erase button. Once the screen has changed, click the button once to verify the change. The code will subsequently flash, and the check engine light ought to flash after that.

Conclusion

Your car requires maintenance when the check engine light flashes and it starts to shake. This is a call to action, not just a small bump in the road.

But don't worry, you may resume driving smoothly by taking the appropriate actions. A mechanic's fast inspection can fix the issue. So, bear in mind that this light is your friend, helping you to maintain the best possible condition for your vehicle. Proceed, assured that you are providing optimal care for your reliable vehicle.