flashing check engine light

Discussion in '1998 - 2011 Ford Ranger' started by dlucroy, Jul 14, 2012.

  1. dlucroy

    dlucroy New Member

    I have a 2005 3.0 ranger, during rapid acceleration, ie merging onto the interstate, the check engine light flashes for about 5-10 sec. During this time, the rpms drop and it will not accelerate, afterwards the light stops flashing and everything goes back to normal. It doesnt happen every time, just from time to time. Could this be caused by a bad air filter? Any thoughts?
    Derrick
     
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  3. rwenzing

    rwenzing Bob

    The flashing CEL means that misfire is currently being detected by the PCM. The most common cause is deteriorating ignition components like plugs and wires or possibly coils. If it has been a long time since the plugs and wires were replaced, look there first.

    Although less common, a flashing CEL could also be caused by a significant air/fuel mixture problem. A severely clogged fuel filter or air filter could do it among other things.
     
  4. OP
    dlucroy

    dlucroy New Member

    Cool, thanks, the reason i was leaning towards the fuel/air filter is that the only time i have a problem is when i punch it, i figured it either wasnt getting enough fuel or air
     
  5. maranger

    maranger New Member

    also the flashing check engine light means that if you keep driving it will cause serious damage to your engine
     
  6. rwenzing

    rwenzing Bob

    More correctly, there could be damage to the catalytic converter(s). The flashing CEL is reporting misfire and, during misfire, the cat temperature may increase enough to permanently reduce catalyst efficiency. If allowed to go higher yet, internal temperature could even melt the ceramic substrate of the converter.
     

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