• Home
  • Denver Auto Repair Services
    • Full Service Oil Change
    • Expert Mechanics
      • Expert Honda Mechanics
      • Expert Toyota Mechanics
      • Expert Subaru Mechanics
    • Automatic Transmission
    • Fuel System Cleaning
    • Radiator Flush Service
    • Wiper Blades
    • Air Filter
    • Cabin Air Filter
    • Gearbox Service
    • Brake Repair
    • Clutch Repair
    • CV Boots
    • Tune-Up
    • Steering & Suspension
    • Tires
  • Auto Diagnostic
  • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Shop Specials
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • 303-691-2760

Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

  • Brake Service
  • Car Maintenance
    • Heating-Air Conditioning
    • Suspension
    • Transmission
    • Engine
    • Tires
  • Oil Change
  • Tips & Tricks

Check Engine Lights

June 25, 2011 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

A question we often hear at our shop is “why is my check engine light flashing?”  There is not always a simple and quick answer to this question.

Check engine lights are a part of the computerized engine management system (ECM).  This system alerts us to possible problems inside the engine or transmission that have an impact on the emissions system.  Check engine lights may be a graphic of an engine or a similar icon.  It could also be words “check engine” or “service engine”.  Some vehicles use a yellow check engine light as a caution light that tells you to have your car checked soon and a red check engine light that means your vehicle needs immediate attention.  Every car’s display is different, so you should make yourself familiar with how your particular make and model works.  The check engine light is usually amber or red in color and has two stages, a steady engine light or a flashing check engine light.  A steady check engine light signals minor problems, while a flashing check engine light means there is a serious problem in the ECM.

The specific causes a check engine light flashes are different for each vehicle but these are some general causes.

  • A misfire in your engine.  A misfire can cause catalytic converter damage if you don’t resolve it quickly.  Replacing a catalytic  converter can be costly, so have the engine checked as soon as possible by a certified mechanic.
  • A failure in the emission control system.  The emission control system contains many active sensors that work to reduce the amount of pollution released into the air.  One of those sensors is an oxygen sensor that reads the air and fuel mixture.  If that mixture is out of the acceptable range the check engine light will flash.
  • Brittle, cracked or worn spark plugs.  Worn spark plug wires can lead to an electric misfire inside the engine.  If the wires are worn out, they should be changed as soon as possible.
  • A loose gas cap.  If the gas cap isn’t tight enough or twisted correctly it can cause the check engine light to flash.  Sometimes when the cap is put on correctly the check engine light will go off.  If the light stays on for more than a day or two have your mechanic run an on-board diagnostic to see if there is a code in the system indicating a more serious problem.

Check engine lights help you and your mechanic keep your vehicle running smoothly, so when they light up have your vehicle checked and don’t ignore them!

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Filed Under: Denver Auto Repair, Engine, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Check engine light

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

Follow Us Today!

  • Facebook
  • RSS

Shop Hours

Monday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Last car oil change time  – 5:00PM

Click for the BBB Business Review of this Auto Repair & Service in Denver CO

Recent Articles

Simple Things Like Regularly Inspecting and Changing Coolant Make a Difference

Simple Things Like Regularly Inspecting and Changing Coolant Make a Difference

Is your car in good shape?  If you’re like many people driving the streets of Denver, you might think: It’s fine.  Cars are tools we use to function in our daily lives. They bring us … [Read More...]

  • Diagnosing and Preventing Engine Overheating
  • Torque Converters and Their Role in Transmissions
  • A Friend Mentioned Brake Line Inspection and Maintenance
  • Choosing The Best Motor Oil For My Car and Wallet
  • When Was The Last Time You Changed Your Motor Oil?

Search Our Site

Brakes Service

A Friend Mentioned Brake Line Inspection and Maintenance

Causes and Solutions of Brake Pedal Vibration

How Brake Performance Impacts Your Drive

Oil Change

Choosing The Best Motor Oil For My Car and Wallet

When Was The Last Time You Changed Your Motor Oil?

What an Oil Change and Oil Filter Replacement Do To Your Car

Suspension

How To Troubleshoot Vehicle Ride Comfort By Addressing Bumpy Ride and Handling

Diagnosing and Resolving Steering Vibrations

This Is How You Know If You Have Suspension Problems

Transmision Service

Torque Converters and Their Role in Transmissions

Transmission Maintenance for Longevity

Transmission Repair Options Explained

Engine Service

8 Symptoms of Faulty Spark Plugs and Wires

The Art of Troubleshooting Car Engine Performance Issues

Why a Head Gasket Fails and What to Do About It

Auto Tips & Tricks

Diagnosing and Preventing Engine Overheating

When Was The Last Time You Changed Your Motor Oil?

What’s an Exhaust Resonator and What Does It Do?

"Denvers Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube" - Copyright © 2023 - 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO 303-691-2760