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How do you fix a blinking check engine light?
My check engine light has been blinking at me for a while. I took it into the shop and had my car serviced, but the light is still blinking. How do I fix a blinking check engine light?
Rachel Juillerat · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A flashing check engine light indicates an internal problem that needs servicing. Be sure to call your
mechanic
before you try to reset the light. It could be that when you took your car into the shop before, they accidentally overlooked another issue. If your mechanic gives you the go-ahead, then there are a couple of things you can do to fix a blinking check engine light.
Take your car back to the mechanic. Even though they gave you a clear signal, it doesn’t hurt to have them look over your car again. They can also quickly reset the light for you.
Use an OBD scanner to reset the corresponding code. If this sounds confusing, don’t worry. Thankfully, it’s not too bad.
- Buy an OBD scanner to diagnose the internal code of your engine. (OBD stands for on-board diagnostic.) AN OBD scanner typically costs between $50-$60.
- Hook up the scanner to your car’s OBD system, usually located below your steering wheel. Make sure your car is off, but the ignition is in the On position.
- Google the code the scanner shows.
- Erase the code on the scanner to reset the OBD code in your car.
While this is an easy and cheap fix, there are some car fixes you may need assistance with, so it’s always a good idea to invest in a strong car insurance policy.
Jerry makes finding the right policy for you easy.
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compares personalized rates from more than 50 top providers and delivers the best deals to your phone in minutes for free. The average Jerry driver saves $887 a year on car insurance.View full answer
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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