Why Is the Check Engine Light on My Chevy Traverse Flashing Then Stops?
Agreeably, a flashing engine warning light is a scary thing to see on your dashboard. You are often left wondering whether it is still safe to drive. It is even possible to cause more damage without knowing it. An even more bizarre thing is when the check engine light flashes and then stops. If this happens in your Chevy Traverse, it could imply a number of things, not all good.
A flashing check engine light is the last thing you would want to see. But still, it is better to be in the know than to have no idea at all as to why it happens. When the check engine light flashes and then stops, it could notify you of some issues within the engine system. You could be dealing with a faulty oxygen sensor, an open gas cap, bad catalytic converter, or damaged spark plugs. Depending on the particular component of the issue, the solutions may vary. Any check engine light warning should be taken seriously.
This article explores some of the reasons why the check engine light in your Chevy Traverse keeps flashing and stopping. It also gives solutions for the same.
Why Is the Check Engine Light on My Chevy Traverse Flashing Then Stops?
Ideally, whenever you turn on your vehicle, all the warning lights should go off, except perhaps the seat belt and door open warning light. However, if you notice that as you drive, the check engine light comes on, flashes for a while, and then stops, it could indicate some issues.
The check engine light was put in place to act as a warning light to alert you of any issues with the engine or other related parts. The light can be found on the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. In the event that the ECM detects erroneous data or loss of signal, the light will immediately turn on to alert the driver. Whenever this light is on, it could either stay on constantly or flash on and off. Unfortunately, this light never tells you specifically what is going on with your car.
Still, there are a number of reasons why the check engine light on your Chevy Traverse could be flashing and stopping. This helps to give you a rough idea of where the problem lies.
Faulty oxygen sensor
One of the culprits is the oxygen sensor. This component is tasked with measuring the residual oxygen concentration in the car’s exhaust gas. This is done to ensure that the engine can adjust the level of fuel injection accordingly so as to comply to set emission standards. Whenever this sensor is malfunctioning, the fuel consumption can be increased by a whopping 30%. It also relays wrong information, which means that the combustion process will cease being effective. Hence, the check engine light will start flashing.
Fix
The only solution for this is to replace the sensor with a new one. Also, ensure that this is done as soon as possible since delays can potentially lead to bursting of the catalytic converter.
Open or loose gas cap
It could also be that the gas cap is loose and that is what causes the check engine light to turn on and off. The gas cap plays an important role of preventing leakage of fuel vapors. Whenever the gas cap is open, or the rubber ring is worn, the sensor system is likely to read this as engine failure.
Fix
You are likely to receive error codes that are related to an open or loose cap. If that is the case, you are required to physically inspect the component and tighten or close it where necessary.
Bad catalytic converter
The catalytic converter is another vital part of the engine system. It works to treat the harmful components in exhaust gas before it gets released into the environment. When this component fails, the check engine light will also turn on.
Fix
To clear the warning light, the only fix is to replace the converter with a new one. The bad news is that this is a very expensive affair. Prepare yourself to part with over $2000 for a new one.
Damaged spark plugs
Any damage in the spark plugs, be it a dirty spark plug, damaged high-voltage wire, or a damaged spark plug connector, could potentially cause the check engine light to flash and then stop. Such errors result in weak or wrongly-timed sparks being emitted. This has a significant effect on the gas combustion and fuel mixture.
Fix
Damaged spark plugs have an easy and cheap fix. Replacement is the most effective.
FAQs
What does a constantly illuminated check engine light mean?
If the check engine light in your car is constantly illuminated, it is often described as a ‘low-level’ issue. The faults are also simple things such as misfiring. While it does not require immediate attention, it could imply a potential future issue.
Can the check engine light illuminate for an oil change?
The best way to alert you when you are running low on oil, or the oil is of poor quality is the check engine light coming on. This indicates that you need to change the oil for it to properly flow throughout the engine.
Why is my car shaking and the check engine light flashing?
This is a situation that you can encounter and it is often an indication that the engine is misfiring. Misfiring occurs when one of the pistons is not firing and hence no combustion is taking place. This will cause your car to shake and the check engine light to illuminate.
Conclusion
From the detailed information above on the causes and remedies for the check engine light blinking then stopping, you will not be as confused in case it happens. Still, it is important that you address the issue as soon as it arises. Ignoring could result in much greater damages.
