Can I safely drive my car to the shop with a flashing Check Engine Soon light?

Asked by timmalley May 08, 2016 at 09:52 AM about the 1997 Pontiac Firebird Base

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Going down the road and the car started to vibrate similar to a tire problem but
when I stopped it continued to vibrate without any knocking noise. Monitored
the oil and coolest while I continued home. Can I safely drive it to the shop?

3 Answers
42,415

Auto_Centric answered 8 years ago

A flashing check engine light indicates a severe (multiple) misfiring of engine cylinders. The risk being "Unburned" fuel is allowed down into the catalytic converter.. which may possibly damage it. But a severe misfire does NOT always mean this is the case, a misfire is also caused by the lack of fuel, based on the overall condition of the vehicle and distance to the repair facility you can decide if its 1-2 miles not to concerned... If your nervous have it flatbed towed for piece of mind. Regards

Mark helpful
159,045

Bob answered 8 years ago

Do not drive a vehicle with a flashing check engine light. You risk damage to the converters and they can be very expensive.

Mark helpful

Eric answered 4 years ago

Mine started flashing when I was in second gear and then it stopped. What would this mean?

Mark helpful

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