Check engine light (flashing)

A flashing check engine light means the engine computer is detecting misfires severe enough to damage the catalytic converter.

ColourAmber
UrgencyCritical

Can I keep driving? Stop driving as soon as it is safe. Continuing can cause severe engine or transmission damage.

What to do

  1. Reduce speed and avoid hard acceleration.
  2. Drive only as far as necessary, ideally straight to a workshop.
  3. Read the codes: usually P0300–P0312 misfire codes.

Symbols and colours vary between manufacturers. Your owner's manual shows the exact symbols used in your car. In general, red means stop or act now, amber/yellow means check soon, and green/blue lights are information only.

Other warning lights