Blinking check engine light

[HavasuMike]

This is the third time this has happened. I stomped it when passing another vehicle (about 80 mph). The check engine light started blinking and lasted about 15 seconds. This has happened a couple times before but I didn't do anything about it. I am going to check to see if there are any codes showing. Any thoughts on this?

 

[JExpedition07]

Usually indicative of a heavy misfire count on one or more cylinders

 

[tojohnso]

When the check engine light blinks - that's bad. Means you have a critical issue with the motor. My guess is it could be a spark plug pack going bad (they are on top of each spark plug) a knock sensor going bad, etc. The codes should tell you which cylinder is having the issue. Once you have one pack going bad, I'd replace them all - or at least carry one or two spares with you.

 

[07navi]

Fix it very soon since it is flashing. Not good for the cats.

 

[Trainmaster]

Blinking light is a miss. When were the plugs last changed? That's where you'd start with a miss under load.

If the plugs are fairly new, I'd look for a bad coil and replace it with an OEM one.

 

[bloodhound]

Blinking light is a miss. When were the plugs last changed? That's where you'd start with a miss under load.

If the plugs are fairly new, I'd look for a bad coil and replace it with an OEM one.

This

 

[JasonH]

This happened to me while towing with around 95,000 miles on the odometer. Misfire on two cylinders when accelerating to pass. I changed the plugs and haven't seen it again since.

 

[HavasuMike]

Thanks everyone. I'm at 96000 and have never changed plugs. Sounds like it's time. I'll check the code too.

 

[07navi]

Thanks everyone. I'm at 96000 and have never changed plugs. Sounds like it's time. I'll check the code too.

Past due. I change mine every 30k miles.

 

[tojohnso]

Past due. I change mine every 30k miles.

Just because you do doesn't mean it's recommended. The Ford guidance is replace spark plugs every 105K miles. Having 95K on the unit is close so if having issues, could make sense.

 

[Trainmaster]

Yup. 96,000 miles? Time for plugs. I usually feel a problem at about 85K.

 

[07navi]

Just because you do doesn't mean it's recommended. The Ford guidance is replace spark plugs every 105K miles. Having 95K on the unit is close so if having issues, could make sense.

I never said it was recommended but the hp and mpgs don't change a bit on mine. These plugs are like tires, they start wearing on day one.

 

[tojohnso]

I never said it was recommended but the hp and mpgs don't change a bit on mine. These plugs are like tires, they start wearing on day one.

When you say "Passed due" it's what you imply. I'm at about 85K and haven't had any power issues or MPG loss. Can't agree plugs are like tires. That's a strange comparison. Plugs are more like light bulbs to me. They work or they don't. Changing them every 30K - wow. But to each their own.

 

[07navi]

When you say "Passed due" it's what you imply. I'm at about 85K and haven't had any power issues or MPG loss. Can't agree plugs are like tires. That's a strange comparison. Plugs are more like light bulbs to me. They work or they don't. Changing them every 30K - wow. But to each their own.

You are overdue also. Did you think the plugs degrade in intervals? They start degrading from day one. You might think you don't have mpg and hp loss but it's like aging; you don't really notice it. See what happens when you put new ones in.

 

[07navi]

Just because you do doesn't mean it's recommended. The Ford guidance is replace spark plugs every 105K miles. Having 95K on the unit is close so if having issues, could make sense.

Ford says to never change your trans fluid too.

 

[Plati]

Ford says to never change your trans fluid too.

on what year and where does "Ford" say that?
is that yer buddy Harold Ford or Ford the auto manufacturer?
my 2014 ... ford owners manual says change tranny fluid & filter at 150K

I'm a 75% guy so I'll change mine around 110K

 

[07navi]

on what year and where does "Ford" say that?
is that yer buddy Harold Ford or Ford the auto manufacturer?
my 2014 ... ford owners manual says change tranny fluid & filter at 150K

I'm a 75% guy so I'll change mine around 110K

150k is as good as never. Look what Maculoco says on U tube.

 

[JasonH]

150k is as good as never. Look what Maculoco says on U tube.

I think it just depends on how the vehicle is used. Highway mileage on a vehicle is much easier than urban and towing. If the vehicle is primarily used for light duty the manual interval is probably fine. Most of the issues I've heard relate to the engine. Haven't heard anything bad about the tranny.

 

[07navi]

But when then

I think it just depends on how the vehicle is used. Highway mileage on a vehicle is much easier than urban and towing. If the vehicle is primarily used for light duty the manual interval is probably fine. Most of the issues I've heard relate to the engine. Haven't heard anything bad about the tranny.

But when they miss a beat it costs a bunch. I know a guy that walked out his front door and kept going due to a trans failure at the wrong time............now homeless.

 

[Plati]

150k is as good as never. Look what Maculoco says on U tube.

You need help with the basics ... we'll start you here and work up.

1+1=2

once you understand that, you can proceed farther
work on it