What does a flashing check engine light mean on a Chevy?

If the check engine light in your 2018 Chevy Silverado starts flashing, that means that the problem needs prompt attention and your Chevy should be brought in rapidly. This blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system.

Can I drive with a flashing check engine light?

If you know the check engine light is flashing, do not drive the car at all. If you must drive the vehicle, drive it to a trustworthy mechanic who can diagnosis the problem and make repairs. A blinking check engine light is more serious than other dashboard lights because it is warning you before an emergency.

How long can you drive with flashing check engine light?

The rule of thumb is that if the check engine light is flashing, you can’t keep driving the car. It’s an emergency. Often it indicates an engine misfire. If you keep driving, you will likely cause irreversible damage, mostly to the (expensive) catalytic converter.

How long can you drive with engine light blinking?

The check engine light is typically a yellow or red engine shaped icon situated in the middle of your vehicle dashboard, behind the driving wheel. If it’s flashing for more than 6 seconds, that is potentially an emergency situation. Step 2: Stop driving. Safely pull over.

Can o2 sensor cause flashing engine light?

An oxygen sensor reads the air and fuel mixture and lights up when it is out of range. If the check-engine light is flashing, you should visit your mechanic or dealer as soon as possible.

Can a clogged oil filter cause a misfire?

A clogged fuel filter causes low fuel pressure that results in a lean fuel condition and engine misfire. This can result in poor fuel mileage, rough idling and possibly cause the check engine light to come on.

Is it OK to drive with flashing check engine light?

A blinking check engine light is more serious than other dashboard lights because it is warning you before an emergency. The light may flash right away or it can start to flash after leaving the check engine light on without repairs. It is never safe to drive with the check engine light so seek ASAP automotive help.

Can bad spark plug cause flashing check engine light?

Worn/failed spark plugs, coil packs, or spark plug wires can trigger your check engine light to come on. In today’s cars, say Firestone Complete Auto Care technicians, if a plug starts to fail then the most obvious event should be the check engine light coming on or even flashing.

What causes a flashing check engine light on a Chevy Silverado?

While a majority of the time, the flashing check engine light is going to be caused by a misfire related to your Silverado’s ignition system or fuel system (as stated above), there are other issues that can cause it. Your timing chain could have jumped .

What to do if your check engine light is blinking?

If the light is flashing, take your vehicle in IMMEDIATELY to be diagnosed and inspected–a flashing light indicates a serious problem with one of your vehicle’s components. If the light is not flashing, check the gas cap. Oftentimes if the gas cap wasn’t tightened enough, the check engine light will display.

What does it mean when your engine light comes on?

A flashing light indicates that the problem is serious and if not taken care of immediately may result in damage to the vehicle. We’ve compiled a list of best practices for you if you Check Engine Light ever comes on:

What causes a Chevy Silverado engine to misfire?

Keeping in mind that any engine needs air, fuel, and spark for ignition, your Chevy Silverado’s fuel system can often cause the engine to misfire. It can run too lean or rich. Alternatively, there may not be enough fuel for proper combustion, or the fuel isn’t atomizing properly.