Three weeks ago, a man who purchased a used Volkswagen from Italy got scammed by the sticker-on-the-check engine light. A famous TikToker (@carsandmillionsclips) documented the scam in a viral video, which garnered over 1.6 million views.
While filming the interior of the car, as the owner’s left hand reached toward the dashboard display, he started to tug at what seemed to be a sticker placed over the screen showing the car’s speedometer and navigation screen.
As he tugs on the sticker, he shockingly reveals that there is an orange engine light beneath it. He said, “I can’t believe my eyes, look at this. Look man. They taped the engine light.”
Is it a serious thing when you see a blinking check engine light in your vehicle?
Continue reading the article to learn about the flashing check engine light in depth, including its causes, what to do when the engine light is on or blinking and how to diagnose the warning.
The Volkswagen Check Engine Light Scam
A few weeks ago, a video went viral on TikTok in which a man who owns a used Volkswagen revealed that the orange check engine light is hidden by a black strip of tape. He peeled off the strip, and beneath it was the check engine light symbol.
The strip was perfectly cut to align with the shape of the Volkswagen’s dash cluster. He said the engine light is on, and they hide it with a sticker. How can they even allow this to happen, man?
What is wrong with these people, man?
Let’s find out what it means when the check engine light is on or blinking and how dangerous it can be.
What Does a Blinking Check Engine Light Mean?
When a check engine light is on or blinking, it is a clear warning to the driver that something isn’t functioning well the way it should. This warning light will be present on the dashboard of your vehicle in the shape of a car engine.
The color of the engine light can be orange, red, or yellow, depending on your vehicle.
How Does it Work?
The check engine light is known as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). It is part of the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system that illuminates whenever one of your car’s sensors is giving an incorrect reading.
This diagnostic system continuously scans for issues and stores diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that can be read with an OBD-II scanner. If the onboard diagnostics system detects a malfunction in the vehicle’s emissions, ignition, or fuel systems, it activates the check-engine light.
A blinking or flashing check engine light is an indicator that the issue is severe enough to damage critical systems, like the internal engine, fuel, electrical, or air induction systems.
On the other hand, if the engine light is not blinking and stays on, it means the issue is typically related to emissions systems or some safety-related faults.
Is it Dangerous When the Check Engine Light is Blinking?
Yes, a flashing check engine light is considered dangerous. It is a clear indication of a serious problem that requires immediate attention. It could be an issue with your vehicle’s engine or emission systems, and ignoring it could lead to engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Therefore, you have to take this warning seriously and take immediate action to fix it to avoid further damage.
Common Causes of Check Engine Light Blinking
Here are some common causes of a flashing check engine light in your vehicle.
- Engine misfires: One of the most common causes of the blinking engine light is engine misfires, which occur when one or more cylinders fail to ignite properly. It mainly happens due to ignition system issues, such as faulty spark plugs or ignition coils. If you ignore it, it can damage the catalytic converter, which is costly to repair.
- Fuel System problems: When there is an issue in the fuel system, such as a failed fuel pump or clogged fuel injectors, the engine may not receive proper fuel, causing the engine to misfire.
- Vacuum Leaks: A crack on one of the vacuum lines in the engine leads to air entering the engine through unintended gaps, throwing off the balance of fuel and air. It results in engine hesitation, rough idling, or even stalling, triggering a flashing check engine light.
- Failed Oxygen Sensor: If the sensor provides inaccurate information about the amount of oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust gases to the engine control unit (ECU), the ECU might adjust the fuel mixture incorrectly, leading to poor engine performance and even misfires.
What Should You Do When the Check Engine Light Starts Blinking?
Here are some major steps you should immediately take after the check engine light starts flashing.
- If you’re driving and suddenly the check engine light starts blinking, the first major step you should take is to reduce the speed of your vehicle. It will minimize the stress on the engine.
- Pull over your vehicle safely and shut off the engine. Restart the engine to see if it is blinking again.
- If the light is blinking again, scan the diagnostic trouble codes to determine the fault. You can search the list of OBD-II codes to know which specific component has an issue.
- Still, if you can’t determine the problem by yourself, take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic as soon as possible to avoid any further damage. While taking your vehicle to the mechanic, make sure to drive at moderate speeds and avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration.
Should You Keep Driving When the Check Engine Light is Blinking?
No, it is dangerous to keep driving when the check engine light is flashing. It will be like you’re gambling with your engine. It can cause damage to the catalytic converter, which is costly to repair.
Therefore, the sooner you resolve the issue, the less damage and expense you’ll face.
Wrapping Up
What happened with the Volkswagen owner is more than just a scam. If the owner hadn’t removed that tiny black sticker from the warning check engine light on time, he would have faced some serious consequences.
A blinking check engine light can’t be ignored. It is a sign that your vehicle is in danger, and you must take immediate action. If you ignore it, it could lead to costly repairs and even engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Therefore, next time you notice any blinking light of engine shape on your car’s dashboard, don’t take it lightly. Immediately take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic and fix the issue as soon as possible.
Sources: motor1.com, Kelley Blue Book, AutoZone
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Does a Blinking Check Engine Light Mean?
A blinking check engine light usually indicates a serious engine misfire that can damage catalytic converter. It requires costly repair.
2. Can I Still Drive With a Blinking Check Engine Light?
You should not drive with a blinking check engine light. Continuing to drive may lead to severe engine damage or expensive repairs.
3. What Causes the Check Engine Light to Blink?
Common causes include:
- Engine misfire
- Faulty ignition coil or spark plugs
- Fuel injector problems
- Catalytic converter issues
- Vacuum leaks
4. What’s the Difference Between a Solid and Blinking Check Engine Light?
A solid check engine light usually indicates a non-urgent issue, while a blinking light signals a critical problem that should be addressed immediately.
5. Can Low Oil or Bad Gas Cause a Blinking Check Engine Light?
Yes, low oil pressure, contaminated fuel, or poor fuel quality can contribute to engine misfires that trigger a flashing check engine light.
6. Will a Blinking Check Engine Light Stop on its Own?
A blinking check engine light might stop temporarily, but you can’t ignore the underlying issue.
7. How Do I Diagnose the Cause of the Blinking Check Engine Light?
You can use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve trouble codes or visit a certified mechanic for a full diagnostic check.
8. How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Blinking Check Engine Light?
The cost varies widely, from $100 for spark plug replacement to $2,000+ for a new catalytic converter, depending on the issue.
9. Can Bad Spark Plugs Cause a Blinking Check Engine Light?
Yes, faulty spark plugs can cause engine misfires, which often lead to a blinking check engine light.
