Flashing "CEL"

How bad and what's the problem when a Check Engine Light starts flashing, I didn't notice a check engine light prior to the flashing one. Any ideas and what might be the cost of repairs???

 

Totally agree with this.

The one additional piece of info is that a "blinking" check engine light indicates a more severe problem than just a "lit" check engine light, and you should look at the problem right away. You don't have to park it and have it towed to the shop - but - don't drive it any more than absolutely necessary until the problem is corrected either.

 

Is it the check engine light or maintenance required light? If the maintenance required light is flashing it just means you have an oil change coming up soon.

 

This. does it only flash on start up and how many miles?

 

Flashing CEL is a misfire on most vehicles. Sometimes it will show solid first if it detected just a tiny bit of misfiring that stopped relatively quickly. If it's constant and keeps up, though, it'll flash as it's missing.

So, how old are your plugs? Did one of the coil packs loosen? Maybe a cylinder isn't getting enough fuel. Could be many things, but figure out the exact code first. That'll tell you which one is missing.

 

All will be known once the codes are read, so sayeth the scrolls of AutoMotive.

 

Definitely didn't notice this was in the 1st gen section...whoops. Disregard me then.

 

umm, guys this is the first gen forum, we don't have maint lights on our trucks. if a CEL comes on you have a problem you need to fix and its not telling you its time for an oil change.

in adition to getting autozone/pep boys to determine the engine code you have, if it says its an o2 sensor then just buy one while you are there and buy the denso brand sensors only for our trucks. the other brands, even bosch which is a good brand name, they just don't last as long or work as good as the denso parts will. if any other code comes up then come back here and let us know and we can tell you what to do next. most times its just a sensor that needs cleaning so if the code is for the MAF sensor buy a can of MAF sensor cleaner before going home and then we will explain what to do to fix it yourself.

 

That's because 1st Gens don't need no stinkin' maint'nance. Or am I confusing that with the mighty Colorado? RIP 1gen > 2gen poll. Rest. In. Peace.

 

My bad, I know nothing about 1st gens.

 

I just changed my oil about 1100 miles ago. Now I'm starting my truck and my maintenance requried light is flashing about 10 times. I'm positive I reset the light bc I always do. Any ideas y'all?

 

Like others said, its an indication that something is happening that is currently damaging your catalytic. Usually constant misfire or excessively rich.