Understanding a Flashing Check Engine Light: What Your Subaru Might Be Saying

Wondering why your check engine light is flashing? Learn what a flashing check engine light means, common causes, and how Hicks Family Subaru in Corpus Christi can help.

Whether you’re headed across Corpus Christi or gearing up for a weekend out in the Hill Country, there’s one dashboard light that can stop your plans in their tracks: the check engine light.

But if that light isn’t just on—it’s flashing—it’s a serious warning. Your vehicle is telling you something’s wrong, and it can’t wait.

So, why is your check engine light flashing? What could be causing it, and what should you do next?

Solid vs. Flashing Check Engine Light—What’s the Difference?

Your Subaru is built to protect you. When something goes wrong in the engine, its onboard computer—called the ECU—triggers the check engine light.

A solid check engine light usually means a minor issue, like a loose gas cap or a sensor that needs checking.

A flashing check engine light, on the other hand, means your engine is misfiring or facing a potentially serious failure. That’s not something to ignore.

Why Is My Check Engine Light Flashing?

There are several reasons your check engine light might be blinking, but they all point to issues that can damage your engine or emissions system if not addressed quickly.

1. Engine Misfire

This is the most common cause. A misfire means one or more engine cylinders aren’t firing properly, which sends unburned fuel into the exhaust system. That can quickly overheat your catalytic converter and cause long-term engine damage.

Symptoms of a misfire may include:

• Rough idling or shaking
• Noticeable power loss
• Strong fuel smell or poor acceleration

Common causes of misfires:

• Worn spark plugs
• Failing ignition coils
• Fuel injector or timing issues

2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor

This sensor helps your engine adjust the air-fuel mix. If it fails, the mix becomes unbalanced, leading to poor performance or misfires that can trigger a flashing check engine light.

3. Damaged Catalytic Converter

Your catalytic converter plays a critical role in emissions control. If it gets clogged or overheats—especially from misfires—it can’t process exhaust properly, leading to poor fuel economy, power loss, and costly repairs.

4. EGR Valve Failure

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve reduces emissions by recirculating some exhaust gases. When it gets stuck or clogged, it can cause misfires and trigger the blinking check engine light.

5. Vehicle Speed Sensor Issues

These sensors affect engine timing and transmission shifting. If they fail, it can disrupt engine performance and cause symptoms similar to a misfire, prompting the warning light to flash.

Is It Safe to Drive with a Flashing Check Engine Light?

The short answer: no.

A flashing check engine light signals a problem that could lead to serious engine or emissions system damage. Driving with the light blinking can:

• Damage your catalytic converter
• Lead to poor fuel economy
• Cause long-term engine issues
• Leave you stranded unexpectedly

If your Subaru starts running rough, loses power, or smells unusual, it’s best to pull over safely and have it looked at right away.

Subaru Service You Can Count On in Corpus Christi

At Hicks Family Subaru, we understand how important your vehicle is to your lifestyle. It’s how you get to your next adventure, pick up your kids from school, or make it to your shift on time. That’s why we take warning lights seriously—and why you should, too.

If your check engine light is flashing, we’ll get to the root of the issue with advanced diagnostic tools, transparent communication, and expert Subaru service. Don’t wait for a blinking light to become a bigger problem. Schedule your service appointment at Hicks Family Subaru today.