Chevy Traverse Check Engine Light Flashes Then Stops (Quick Fixed)

Usually, whenever you start your Chevy Traverse, the warning lights go off, except the seat belt and door open warning light. However, when you happen to be on the road, and the check engine light flashes and then stops, this could imply some underlying problems on your car. 

There are a number of reasons why this may be the case. An illuminated check engine light often implies issues with the engine or related components. Usually, the common ones are a faulty oxygen sensor, defective mass airflow sensor, damaged spark plugs, bad catalytic converter, or simply the gas caps are open. Once you find out the root cause, you can now take the necessary actions to fix the problem. 

This article is a handy guide as it outlines the main reasons that causes the check engine light to turn on in your car. 

Why Does the Check Engine Light Flash and Then Stop on My Chevy Traverse?

The check engine light was put in place to notify the driver of any issues with the engine or its related parts. This light is located at the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel so the driver can easily notice when it goes off. As soon as the engine control module detects any fault, wrong signal, or failure, the light will turn on. 

The check engine light may either stay on, or flash and stop. This often alarms many drivers as they cannot really pinpoint the root cause of the matter. If your check engine light flashes then stops, then it could probably mean one of the following; 

Faulty oxygen sensor

The oxygen sensor in your Chevy Traverse is the electronic device that measures the residual oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas. This is to check the level of fuel injection so the engine can adjust accordingly. It not only helps in the vehicle’s operational performance, but also in compliance with the emission standards. Whenever this device is not working properly, the fuel consumption can be increased by a whopping 30%. This results in an ineffective combustion process and increased fuel consumption. This can prompt the check engine light to turn on. 

Solution 

The only solution to this particular issue is to replace the oxygen sensor with a new one. Also, this should be addressed as soon as possible, failure to which, the catalytic converter can burst. 

Defective mass airflow sensor 

Another issue could be with the mass airflow sensor. This component plays the pivotal role of measuring the intake air flow into the engine. The signal is then transmitted to the ECM where it is calculated to determine the appropriate fuel amount and ignition timing. With time, however, the sensor becomes susceptible to dirt and dust which could alter the information transmitted. The ECM will then detect that the entire system is affected and turn on the check engine light. 

Solution 

This sensor can be replaced to solve the issue. 

Gas cap is open or not secured tightly 

As simple as it may sound, the gas cap being open can also trigger the check engine light. The gas cap plays the vital role of preventing leakage of fuel vapors. In ideal conditions, when the gas cap is tightly sealed, the pressure in the fuel tank attains optimal levels, and the sensor measures the pressure. Therefore, when that is not the case, the sensor system can detect this as a malfunction and report engine failure, hence the check engine light. 

Solution 

This can be diagnosed by a scan tool. If you receive codes that point to a faulty gas cap as the culprit, you will be required to physically inspect the component and tighten it where necessary.

Damaged spark plugs 

Sometimes it could be that you are dealing with a spark plug malfunction, be it a damaged high voltage wire, damaged spark plug connector, or dirty spark plug. These can cause the plugs to emit weak sparks or at the wrong time. This goes to significantly affect the combustion of the gas and the fuel mixture. 

Solution  

Damaged spark plugs should be replaced with new ones. Thankfully, they are affordable. 

Bad catalytic converter 

The catalytic converter is responsible for treating the harmful components present in the exhaust gas before it is released into the environment. When this component fails, the car tends to turn on the check engine light. 

Solution 

To clear the warning light, you can either fix the issue with the converter or replace it with a new one. To get a new one, however, you will have to dig deep in your wallet—they go for $2000. 

FAQs

Conclusion 

The check engine light is easily the most misunderstood indicator on the dashboard. Through this article, however, you are able to tell the reasons that may cause your check engine light to flash and then stop. This will help you narrow down the causes, and find the right solution.