Check engine light flashing and car shaking?

Tiny
SOIRANOK
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 VOLKSWAGEN CC
  • 171,000 MILES
Today I tried to drive my VW when all of a sudden, the check engine light started flashing and my car started shaking. It has not done this before, but the check engine light has been on my dash for a little over a month now. Recently, I cracked my taillight and am waiting for the part to come in so I can replace it, it should come this week. My current taillight has moisture in the light due to the crack and I have covered up the cracks in the meantime but I'm wondering if this is related to my car shaking and flashing the check engine light or if it's another unrelated problem. If related, would replacing the taillight fix this problem? Thanks.
Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 1:47 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The check engine light comes on when the diagnostic systems detect an issue with one or more of the vehicles sensors or parts that are monitored by the computers. It could be an emission related issue as well.

One thing to keep in mind that when the engine light starts to flash it typically means the issue needs to be taken care of urgently.

Since the light is illuminated, the best next step would be to scan the vehicle for trouble codes. As the codes can help with the diagnostics. Depending on your location, typically you can take your vehicle to your local auto parts store, and they can scan and provide you with the code(s).

Here is a helpful guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/check-engine-light-is-it-safe-to-drive

The vehicle can shake when the engine runs rough. It can run rough due to misfire, also for a vacuum leak.

Please let me know what you find.
Thank you.
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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 8:18 PM

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