Check engine light blink

RJ_IS_BATMAN · Jul 25, 2020

Hey everyone,

Was finally able to take the car around for a bit and after about 150 miles to check engine light came on but it also blinked once or twice.

There’s no loss of power or any issues car runs fine. I will note that the previous owner has the car straight piped and I’m wondering if this could cause the blinking light?

I recently changed the spark plugs, plug wires, ignition coils, oil and did a coolant flush

RJ_IS_BATMAN · Jul 25, 2020

RJ_IS_BATMAN said:
Hey everyone,

Was finally able to take the car around for a bit and after about 150 miles to check engine light came on but it also blinked once or twice.

There’s no loss of power or any issues car runs fine. I will note that the previous owner has the car straight piped and I’m wondering if this could cause the blinking light?

I recently changed the spark plugs, plug wires, ignition coils, oil and did a coolant flush

Now I tried to turn the car on and all it does is click, engine doesn’t try to turn over at all

ThunderChild · Jul 25, 2020

Sounds like the alternator might be non functional causing a low battery. Are other dash lights besides the check engine light on?

I don't know if it will cause a flashing check engine light, but if the car is straight piped it may be throwing a code for catalyst efficiency below threshold, because there is no catalytic converter on the car.

luv2rallye · Jul 25, 2020

Not even cranking? Weak battery or poor battery cable connection. What year/model?

frosh29 · Jul 25, 2020

I agree with the battery comments. A dead battery will do that. I don't think a cat-less car will make the CEL blink though.

If it is a bad alternator, usually the CEL and Brake light will be on in the dash.

Worst case scenario would be a bad ECU. On my 1991, when the capacitors were bad, the car would just click when I tried to start it, same as you describe. This was for a 1g though.

RJ_IS_BATMAN · Jul 25, 2020

Ok so I changed out the battery with another spare I had and same issue.

I took off the fuse box cover in the engine bag and checked for busted fuses and they all looked fine. I made sure they were all pushed in and the car once again started running again.

I’m going to need to take it for another drive as the changing out the battery caused the CEL to come off the dash.

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Check engine light blink

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