A flashing check engine light means a serious problem such as an engine misfire: pull over safely and stop driving. A steady light means the system found a fault that needs to be checked soon. Honda’s owner guidance, for example, says a blinking indicator signals a misfire and that continuing to drive can damage the catalytic converter and engine. For diagnostics, call O’Hara and Sons Automotive at (267) 995-0203, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM.
What does a solid check engine light mean?
It means the engine computer stored a fault in an emissions or engine-control system. The cause can be small, such as a loose or missing fuel cap, or larger. The light does not name the repair. A shop reads the stored code and tests the system. See check-engine diagnostics.
What does a flashing check engine light mean?
A flashing light usually points to a misfire. Honda’s guide says to stop in a safe place away from anything flammable and turn the engine off. If the light flashes again after a restart, have the car serviced and do not keep driving. If the car runs very roughly, smells of fuel or smokes, stop and get help. If it cannot be driven safely, our sister company O’Hara & Sons Towing can be reached from its own site.
What should I do first?
- Check that the fuel cap is on and tight. A loose cap can trigger the light.
- Note whether the light is solid or flashing, and whether other lights are on, such as oil pressure or temperature.
- If it is flashing, or the car is losing power, stop safely.
- Note when it started, what you were doing, and how the car feels.
- Call the shop with your year, make, model and mileage.
What should I tell the shop?
- When the light came on and whether it has gone out.
- Whether it is solid or flashing.
- Any rough running, stalling, loss of power, odd smells or sounds.
- Recent fuel stops or repairs.
An intermittent light is still useful information.
Sources and notes
- Honda, Malfunction Indicators (flashing light = misfire): http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/QS/AH/BTZ32020WG/enu/GUID-4BD1C1B8-BE98-4A00-A670-272958D7ABAF.html
- Check your own owner’s manual for your model. Last checked: October 24, 2026.
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O’Hara and Sons Automotive, (267) 995-0203, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–6 PM. Diagnostics · Contact
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Still wondering about something? Call (267) 995-0203, Mon–Fri, 8 AM–6 PM.
Is it safe to drive with the check engine light on?
A steady light with the car driving normally is usually not an emergency, but get it checked soon. A flashing light, or a steady light with rough running, loss of power or other warnings, means stop and get help.
Will the light go away on its own?
Sometimes after a loose cap is fixed. But it can also come back, and the stored code stays useful. Mention it even if it went out.
Can a gas cap really turn on the light?
Yes, a loose or missing fuel cap can trigger it. Tighten it and watch whether the light clears over the next drives. If it does not, get it checked.
Does a code tell you exactly what to replace?
No. A code points to a system or condition. Testing is what tells the shop what the repair is.
Does O’Hara and Sons Automotive do check engine diagnostics?
Yes. See check-engine diagnostics or call (267) 995-0203.
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