Flashing check engine light

[Laraleal]

Driving back on a road trip in a 2018 expedition max with 83k miles on it, and went to pass someone and the engine lost power (would shift up, went "limp") the check engine light began flashing. Pulled over, put in park and light completely went off. Hasn't happened again, and we've been excelerating perfectly smooth. Transmission was replaced about 2500 miles ago also and just had it in for the cam phaser CSP. Thanks for any insight!

 

[Rob6805]

A flashing CEL is indicative of a type A misfire. Meaning that there is no combustion taking place in one or more cylinders which can cause catalyst damage. The flashing is an OBD EPA/CARB mandate.

Plug in a decent scan tool and check for codes. There should be a DTC set for the cylinder(s) that were causing the issue.

 

[Soliyou]

Or also a leaky injector causing misfire. This too can be catastrophic. Next time it happens, open the hood and smell for unburnt gas.

 

[JasonH]

Check spark plugs gaps. It's very common when the gap opens.

 

[rd618]

Driving back on a road trip in a 2018 expedition max with 83k miles on it, and went to pass someone and the engine lost power (would shift up, went "limp") the check engine light began flashing. Pulled over, put in park and light completely went off. Hasn't happened again, and we've been excelerating perfectly smooth. Transmission was replaced about 2500 miles ago also and just had it in for the cam phaser CSP. Thanks for any insight!

Check for stored codes. At 83k miles your plugs are likely shot.
If injector is gummed up could cause it also, but I bet plugs.

 

[Laraleal]

Awesome thank you! I feel like it's probably the spark plugs going and caused a misfire. Hasn't happened again and there were no stored codes. After the whole transmission issue I was freaking out.

 

[bjohnson425]

Sell it and get a Toyota.