Posted past & filed under Diagnostics, Engine.

WHY IS IT BAD TO Drive MY Car WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS BLINKING?

If you are like most drivers, you may have experienced the frightening moment when you're confronted with a blinking engine light. Many people realize that "blinking" means "emergency" and get their cars into the shop correct away. Others may have awhile to get the light investigated, whether information technology's because they do non have the time to take their motorcar in or do not think they tin can afford a costly repair. This post is going to tell you why it is never a expert idea to bulldoze your machine while the service low-cal is blinking.

Blinking Service Light
Photograph Credit: CJ Isherwood via Compfight cc

When the Check Engine or Service Engine Shortly light starts blinking (every bit opposed to staying steadily illuminated), this means that a catalytic converter-damaging status is occurring. Usually you will be able to experience a noticeable deviation in the way your vehicle is running. When this Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light flashes, you should pull over safely and shut the vehicle off every bit before long as possible. Accept the vehicle towed to your trusted repair facility for a diagnosis and repair. Continuing to drive this vehicle in this condition will do more damage and will toll more to repair. Depending on the type and age of vehicle you drive, there tin exist a huge variance on the replacement cost of a catalytic converter. Some converters may cost over $2000 per converter, and many cars use 2, 3, or even 4 converters.

The other matter to consider is that a lot of the vehicles nosotros bulldoze in the Puget Audio are built to meet California Emissions Standards. That means if the catalytic converter in your vehicle fails, it needs to be replaced with a catalytic converter that meets California Emissions Standards, and these cost even more than a vehicle that conforms to Federal Emission Standards. California Emission Standards are much more strict than federal, and if you don't supersede the faulty part with the correct part, it will not work with the emissions calibration on your vehicle's computer. This could notwithstanding indicate a catalytic converter efficiency code, which volition illuminate your Cheque Engine or Service Engine Soon calorie-free, and you will not pass the emission test. When your light is illuminated, or if at that place are current codes stored in the computer of your vehicle, information technology will not pass DEQ. In that location are pros and cons to your vehicle being congenital to California Emissions Standards. The upside is that your vehicle runs much cleaner for our surroundings, since California holds higher standards. The downside is that the vehicles are more expensive to repair.

The service light is there for a reason: to alert you when there is an event with your vehicle so that y'all can take information technology in for service. There are many reasons why the service engine calorie-free may blink on. These reasons can range from quick and inexpensive fixes to all-encompassing and costly repairs. Some of the most common culprits backside a blinking engine low-cal are as follows:

  • Ignition roll has failed
  • Fuel injector has failed
  • Engine computer has failed
  • Spark plug
  • Spark plug wire
  • Bad engine valves

If your check engine light is on and not flashing, this means you need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have the vehicle diagnosed. A diagnostic procedure on nigh vehicles typically takes i-2 hours, and should cost $80 – $100 dollars in about cases. Driving a automobile with a blinking engine light will cost you the amount of the repair, plus the cost of a new catalytic converter. A Mini Cooper converter will range from $700 to $1500, while an Audi converter tin can range from $700 to $2400. A tow bill is usually nether $100, and at Central Ave Auto, nosotros offer free towing service to our shop in our designated surface area.

Whatever the cause of your blinking service light, rest assured that our experienced technicians are trained to handle it in a professional and timely manner. Give usa a call at (253) 854-6762 or schedule an appointment using our convenient online appointment booking service. You tin besides come up into our repair shop, located at 1514 Central Ave in Kent, for a diagnostic.