The issue of the check engine light flashing and car shaking Honda Accord is no stranger to many people.
But it could turn into a nightmare from the perspective of first-time drivers or amateurs.
No need to panic because my post will present the main causes, coupled with feasible remedies to this matter. Keep scrolling down for further information!
What Is The Check Engine Light?
The check engine light, or the malfunction indicator lamp, is a lighting system that illuminates when something is wrong with your automobile.
It is under the powertrain control module’s control, and the signal is transmitted via the wiring network.
Generally, the light has two stages: steady and flashing. When your vehicle shows no damage, it will be turned off.
Suppose the engine control unit stores a fault code; the PCM will activate the light, notifying drivers of potential problems, such as a loosened gas cap and other serious engine breakdowns.
Locate the instrument panel or dashboard inside your vehicle if you are unclear about its position. You can easily see its symbol near the velocity rates with the imprinted “Check” beneath.
What Causes The Check Engine Light Flashing And Car Shaking Honda Accord?
Some common causes behind the car shaking and engine light blinking include a blocked fuel filter, damaged fuel injector, faulty ignition coil, failed idle air control valve, bad spark plug, damaged engine sensors, loose gas cap, or vacuum leak.
Let’s take a closer look at each case.
A Clogged Fuel Filter
As its name suggests, a fuel filter is functional at screening dirt and contaminants out of the fuel.
Being widely used in the internal combustion process, it helps protect the system’s components from damage and enhance the gasoline’s quality.
This device is out of order due to numerous factors. Bad fuel is the most common culprit, causing the filter to be clogged with crud and gunk.
The consequence is a lack of adequate fuel pressure within a cylinder’s space, resulting in the severe engine misfire and the car shaking.
When this problem arises, the check engine light will be triggered by the headquartered PCM.
A Bad Fuel Injector
The injector is a motor part helping facilitate the fuel introduction into a part of the internal combustion engine.
You can notice this operation in most modern car models, including the spark-ignition and compression-ignition machines.
A malfunctioning fuel injection is commonly associated with the leakage issue.
Indeed, due to the constant interaction with the air, corrosion seems unavoidable. Over time, its components get rusted, rendering it to leak.
The injector can also be blocked. After shutting off, it still stays hot for a while. Nearly all gas left evaporates, leaving a thin layer of hydrocarbon deposits.
Consequently, an improper fuel amount is delivered into the automotive cylinder, leading to diminished fuel pressure and eventual car vibrating.
A Faulty Ignition Coil
An ignition coil is added to the spark-ignition engine system, transforming the battery voltage to a higher rate. This voltage electricity current ensures the efficient operation of a spark plug.
That the vehicle’s fuel-to-oxygen mixture is richer or poorer than normal is conducive to its death.
Besides the decreased fuel economy, one primary symptom of a bad coil I have noticed is the engine misfiring, making my automobile idle rough and even shake vigorously.
The malfunction indicator light will illuminate as a result.
You could rely on the trouble coding, such as the P0351 or P0358 diagnostic trouble codes, to check whether the ignition coil is on the fritz.
A Failed Idle Air Control Valve
This device is mostly found in fuel-injected cars, helping manage the engine’s idling rotational speed. An amount of air is needed to perform so.
The powertrain control module controls the flow via an air control valve’s opening and closing outlets. If prone to breakage, it will affect the air amount circulating and entering motor parts.
Without enough air provision, the engine may hesitate or sputter during the operational phase.
The scenario of misfires is looming as well, leading to your car’s shaking and the activation of a flashing check engine light.
A Bad Spark Plug
A spark plug is an electrical equipment that produces a spark, a factor in igniting the mixture of both air and fuel in the combustion chamber.
The spark plug’s defection is another culprit.
The reason is that its improper operation could induce the misfiring problem, one of the primary rationales behind the car shaking and engine light on.
But what causes a dirty spark plug? Contaminants, particularly the accumulation of carbon deposits, are the main reason due to the imbalance ratio between air and fuel.
Engine coolant and oil are also responsible, corroding the plug.
The Damage To Engine Sensors
Engine sensors are equipped in most modern automobiles.
They help the engines operate more efficiently by monitoring a wide variety of functions, from the car’s inside temperature and ignition timing to engine gasoline pressure.
Suppose they run into trouble; the engines’ performance might not be ensured, as shown by their diminished working effectiveness.
When my car faced this issue, it also suffered from a shortage of motor power, reduced fuel economy, and even sudden stalling and excessive vibrations.
A Loose Gas Cap
A petrol cap is a small cover on the hole you put fuel into. In other words, it acts as a protective layer, preventing the fuel and gas fumes from being released while your car is idle.
Another important function is to seal the fuel tank system and keep the inner pressure stable. If it is used for a long time or ruptures, you might lose unburned fuel through evaporation.
Consequently, there are more strips to the pump. More seriously, drop in fuel pressure renders your vehicle shaking, turning the check engine light on.
Vacuum Leak Problem
The vacuum system seems no stranger. It is one of the most pivotal systems within a car, as it lowers the build-up of harmful emissions.
It does so by routing the fumes via many vacuum hoses and pipes.
After a period, they become cracked and barren, given neglected maintenance, along with constant exposure to extreme heat.
This renders the vacuum leakage, leading the RPM to surge unexpectedly and the car’s shaking.
Other Causes
- Damage to ignition coils
- A bad O2 sensor
- Something wrong with aftermarket items
- A bad mass airflow sensor
- Transmission issues
- Marginalized emissions control engines, like the EGR valve
- Output circuit issues
- A severe head gasket failure
How To Solve The Issue?
Here are viable remedies to the problem of check engine blinking car shaking; hoping to help you out.
- Take a bad fuel filter out and clean it carefully with the help of a scrubbing tool and cleansing solution.
In this way, they could be completely cleared of dirt and crud. Change your fuel filter after 20,000 to 60,000 miles.
- If a faulty fuel injector is the main cause, replace it with a new one, as the old one is filled with rusting marks.
- Suppose the problem is rooted in the ignition coil failure; it’s time to remove it and install a new one.
Remember to purchase it from a reliable store because fake products are notorious for their degraded quality.
- You are advised to frequently examine the idle air control valve’s condition, especially their outlets.
They are of paramount importance to let the air circulate well within the engines’ space.
- Keep an eye on the worn spark plug and plug wires. They are easily covered with gunk, so use a cleaning sprayer or specialized tools to get rid of all contaminants.
Pay attention to the problem of water in spark plug wells too.
- Pay attention to the overall engine sensors as well, for instance, the thermostat. Their poor performance and reduced power can denote the crank sensors’ defection, which needs replacing.
- If the loosened gas cap is the primary reason behind this minor issue, make its replacement as soon as possible to prevent fuel evaporation and maintain the correct level of pressure.
- Replace other motor parts, including a faulty head gasket, a bad lifter, a dirty mass airflow sensor, an improper-working oxygen sensor, etc.
- Performing all the checking and repairing steps at home would be convenient.
Yet, if you lack automotive knowledge and experience, avoid undertaking the above replacements at all costs, as your health and safety could be at risk.
- Tow your car to a famous service center; automotive experts will solve the problem and maintain your automobile carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drive My Car If The Check Engine Light Is Still Blinking?
The answer is no.
As mentioned earlier, the check engine light on indicates that there are some problems with your vehicle. And whether they are serious, the only way is to use ECU check engine light diagnosis.
Continuing to disengage the clutch in this way exacerbates the issues because major damage might be rendered to your automobile, sacrificing your safety greatly.
Why Does My Automobile Shake When I Press The Gas Pedal?
If you engage the gas pedal and notice some slight shaking in your vehicle, something has already gone wrong with the engines.
They can be enumerated, including engine misfires or defective spark plugs.
The exhaust manifold leakage also induces some vibrations, particularly when you rev up. Tire problems, like buckles or cracked wheels, can be conducive to the same problem.
To address this matter effectively, pay attention to engine management by having your motor parts checked by Honda auto repair mechanics regularly.
Take close notice of the car’s tires and take prompt action if needed.
How Many Miles Could You Continue Driving With A Check Engine Light On?
It is hard to pinpoint the exact road miles your automobile moves since each check engine code displays a divergent level of severity.
The best method is using a specialized scan tool and deciphering the code to see whether the engine’s components are broken.
Then, plan your own strategy appropriately, but it is highly recommended to take your vehicle to a reliable automotive store as soon as possible.
Will The Honda Accord Check Engine Light Reset Itself?
Yes. The Honda malfunction indicator lamp is able to shut itself off when the fault code is fixed.
For instance, if the problem is rooted in a loosened gas cap and you have already installed a new one, the check engine light will be deactivated.
The Bottom Line
Check engine light flashing and car shaking Honda Accord is a tricky problem that stems from a failure in the fuel or ignition system.
Hope you will soon conquer this challenge by acknowledging its primary causes and knowing how to combat them after this article.
Thank you for your genuine support, and have a nice day!