Acura’s have served as one of the most trusted and reliable vehicles on the market since Honda first introduced them in the 1980’s. So, if you notice your vehicle’s check engine light flashing, it’s nothing to be taken lightly. In fact, it usually means there’s some serious damage going on with your vehicle’s engine. Let’s discuss your Acura’s check engine light, causes of a flashing check engine light in your Acura, and where to go when your check engine light is flashing.
Your Acura’s Check Engine Light
The check engine light can turn on for something as minor as a loose gas cap or something as serious as engine failure. There is also a difference between a static check engine light and one that is flashing intermittently.
If you’ve ruled out a loose gas cap and the light is still on in any variation, take your vehicle in to your trusted Acura service and repair center for a complete diagnosis. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
A check engine light that is on, as opposed to blinking, generally signifies a minor problem, and you’re safe to schedule an appointment with your mechanic. However, a flashing check engine light represents a serious problem and your car needs to be seen as soon as possible. You should avoid driving your car if at all possible until it is seen and the problem diagnosed.
Causes of a Flashing Check Engine Light
If your check engine light is flashing, it means your engine is misfiring and something is seriously wrong with it. Problems that can cause your check engine light to flash include:
- Low Fluids: If your vehicle is low on coolant, power steering fluid, engine oil, brake fluid, or any other kind of fluid, this could trigger a flashing check engine light.
- Fuel Ignition System Issues: You may experience your vehicle shaking along with the flashing check engine light. If the cylinders of your engine aren’t igniting fuel properly, the performance of your vehicle will suffer and experience decreased power. A failing spark plug, weak ignition coil, bad plug wire, dead fuel injectors, bent valves, or a leaking head gasket may be to blame.
- Poor Electrical Connections: Electrical issues, such as damaged wiring, can signal a flashing check engine light. Your vehicle’s emissions control system monitors signals through electrical signals. Electrical issues can interfere with your vehicle’s ignition and cooling systems.
- Failing Catalytic Converter: When your check engine light flashes while driving, it usually means your engine is misfiring. This can cause the catalytic converter to overheat and can damage it. They can also become clogged, especially in older vehicles. They are expensive to replace and you should have your car seen immediately if you suspect a problem with the catalytic converter.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor: Your car’s computer cannot receive the correct information of air-to-fuel with a faulty oxygen sensor and will produce too much or too little fuel as a result. Not enough fuel can put your engine at risk of failure, and too much fuel can cause excessive dark smoke to emit from your tailpipe.
- Failing Mass Airflow Sensor: Mass airflow sensors measure the air-to-fuel ratio in your vehicle’s engine. They can become dirty over time and fail to do their job properly, which can cause your engine to misfire and become damaged.
- Bad Spark Plugs or Spark Plug Wires: Spark plugs, as their name suggests, sparks the air-to-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinder, which is how the engine starts. Faulty spark plugs can cause engine misfires, which will cause your check engine light to illuminate.
My Dad’s Automotive Can Help
When dealing with a flashing check engine light 
in your Acura, it’s imperative you take your vehicle in for service immediately to prevent further damage. At My Dad’s Automotive, we know Acura’s. We’ll diagnose your flashing check engine light and take care of any needed repairs.
We proudly serve clients in Lee’s Corner, Centreville, Oak Hill, South Riding, Schneider Crossroads, Fairfax, Reston, Arlington, and Chantilly, VA. Call us today to schedule your appointment or stop on by for service you can count on from the experts you can trust to get you back on the road safely.