When your check engine light is flashing and your car is shaking, it is a sign of a critical issue that needs immediate attention. While a solid check engine light can signal less urgent problems, a flashing light is often a warning of something much more severe, usually linked to engine misfires. Engine misfires occur when one or more cylinders fail to ignite properly, and if not addressed, they can cause significant damage to the engine and other components.
New Causes of Flashing Check Engine Light and Car Shaking
- Catalytic Converter Error: A broken catalytic converter can make an effect of flashing check engine light and noticeable shaking. The catalytic converter’s job is to reduce harmful emissions, and when it becomes clogged or fails, exhaust gases can’t flow properly, leading to engine misfires, reduced performance, and a shaking sensation.
- Low Compression in Cylinders: Compression is necessary for proper combustion. Low compression in one or more cylinders can cause engine misfires, which will trigger the check engine light and lead to a rough idle or noticeable shaking while driving. Causes of low compression could range from a blown head gasket to worn-out piston rings or cylinder walls.
- Damaged Timing Chain or Belt: If the vehicle’s timing belt or chain is damaged or off-schedule, it can result in improper timing of the engine’s valves and pistons. This leads to poor combustion, engine misfires, and shaking. Possible cases, it can make the machine to end completely.
- Fuel Pressure Regulator Failure: The fuel pressure regulator is responsible for maintaining the correct pressure in the fuel system. If this part fails, the engine may receive too much or too little fuel, leading to misfires and the check engine light flashing.
Light to Flashing Check Engine Light and Vibrate
Here are some fresh approaches that haven’t been covered before to address this issue:
- Check the Engine Mounts: Engine mounts save the engine to the vehicle’s block and let throw vibrations. If the mounts are damaged or loose, the car may shake excessively. While engine mounts do not directly cause a flashing check engine light, if they are in poor condition, the shaking they cause may exacerbate the symptoms of other engine issues, making diagnosis harder.
- Inspect and Clean the EGR Valve: The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve helps reduce emissions by recirculating some exhaust gases back into the engine. If the EGR valve is clogged with carbon deposits, it may cause a rough idle, shaking, or even engine misfires, especially at low speeds. Cleaning or replacing the EGR valve may resolve this issue.
- Reprogram the ECU: In some cases, the engine control unit (ECU) may need to be reprogrammed to address misfiring or shaking. Vehicle manufacturers sometimes release software updates to improve engine performance and correct issues that trigger false sensor readings or incorrect air-fuel mixtures. A dealer can reprogram the ECU to correct these problems.
- Check for Crankshaft Position Sensor Issues: The crankshaft position sensor monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft. If this sensor fails, it can cause erratic engine behavior, including shaking and misfires. Replacing a faulty crankshaft position sensor may resolve the flashing check engine light and restore proper engine operation.
- Perform a Compression Test: If low compression in one or more cylinders is suspected, a compression test should be done to diagnose whether internal engine damage (such as a worn piston ring or valve) is causing the issue. Once the problem area is identified, it can be repaired to prevent further misfires and shaking.
A flashing check engine light combined with a shaking car indicates that the engine is suffering from a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Whether it’s due to a damaged catalytic converter, low compression, or other engine-related problems, addressing the root cause promptly can prevent further damage and save you from costly repairs.