HondaKiller

my check engine light came on again tonight and started flashing...has anyone else seen this yet?...it was to late to have the code read so i just reflashed..this is the second time within about 3000 miles this has happend..the car has stock intake exhaust manifold and s-pipe so i really dont know whats causing it..any info you guys might have at all would really help

WeDriveScions

Flashing is BAD.....

Get this checked out NOW... if you have no modifications to the engine... the dealer should cover whatever is wrong under warranty no problem....

HondaKiller

what if i used to have aftermarket parts on it, but it never happend with them on???

WeDriveScions

An Intake/Header/or exhaust should not cause any HUGE problems... but it's your conscience... if you ran N2O or F/I and you have big problems... the dealer shouldn't fix it under warranty...

You just need to see what really is wrong... if it blinks again... at least take it to autozone and get the code READ ASAP...

It could be something little and lame, or it could be something big... but don't reset it until you find out what it is...

engifineer

The flashing can mean different things, but usually not good. I discussed this with my father, a mechanic, a while back after an issue with my saturn that I diagnosed. He has gotten various info from different manufacturers regarding the flashing CEL, and most of the books dont say much about it. Mine was due to a Cam Sensor code. On a Saturn and many other GM's there is no cam sensor, it uses the number four plug wire for this. So a bad plug wire on number four shows up as a faulty cam sensor signal. Thus, when it misses more and more pulses, you encounter mis-firing as well as timing issues. This was a very intermittent issue at first, but when it would freak out and run poorly the CEL would set, then flash. I then connected a diagnostic tool and found that it was the cam sensor code.... eventually leading to replacing the plug wires... funny in a way

bottom line, is that the system was in a not so healthy (and possibly damaging) state when it began to flash the CEL, so definitely get it taken care of quickly to make sure.

The_Instigator

Are you sure its the CEL and not the maintenance light which reminds you to get an oil change? The light should come after 5000 miles.

WeDriveScions

^ I was going to ask that... but, I just could think someone wouldn't be able to separate the two...

I sure hope it's the CEL and not the maint... cause then I'd feel really bad for him....

HondaKiller

its the cel for sure..i have to wait till monday to figure it out

WeDriveScions

Just don't reset it if it comes on.... if you lived near me, I'd read your code as well....

Stock

flashing means there is definately damage happening to your cat. maybe misfire to rich to lean etc. But your killing your cat.

Scott17

Yep, flashing is usually caused by a misfire. It flashes to let you know that the cat could be damaged.