The ultimate guide to dealing with a check engine light

One of the most common issues when it comes to cars is the dreaded flashing check engine light.

When you see that your check engine light is flashing, it can be absolutely heartbreaking.

And it can be even more devastating when you have no idea how to repair a flashing check engine light.

But, fear no more.

Innova is here, with the ultimate guide to dealing with a check engine light.

So, to solve your flashing check engine light related queries, just read on!

Why is my check engine light on?

Let’s assume that you’ve seen the dreaded check engine light flashing.

Maybe you’re wondering why it’s doing that in the first place, so let us fill you in.

The flashing of the check engine light is your vehicles way of informing you that there is an issue with your car.

Specifically with your emission related area of the car.

When you see your check engine light lit up and steady, then it usually means that the issue isn’t an emergency, but you should still get it checked out.

However when you see a flashing check engine light, it means things are quite a bit more serious.

This is usually an indication of a severe engine misfiring, which can cause severe damage to your vehicle that is EXPENSIVE to repair.

Possible solutions for a blinking check engine light

So, you’ve got a check engine light that’s flashing in your car. How do you go about fixing it?

Well, you really have two options.

Firstly, you could go to your local mechanic for a vehicle diagnostic.

This will usually result in you paying more than you should for the repair, meaning you lose money that we don’t think you should lose.

What we suggest you do is take something of a DIY approach.

Here at Innova Electronics, we’re the people who wrote the book on producing shop quality diagnostic and repairs at home.

And we’d like to show you how you can do this and save money and time on going to the local car mechanic.

How to repair a flashing check engine light

Of course, if you’re reading this you decided that you wanted to repair your check engine light without breaking the bank.

And the way to do this is to pickup a high quality, affordable hand held tool.

The exact tool we suggest for this type of operation is the Innova 5510.

At just $294.00, this tool is an absolute bargain.

As well as being a high quality tool for mending a flashing check engine light, it also has the following features:

– SMOG check LED indicators

– ABS Diagnosis

– Code Severity Levels

– 365 day warranty

– Entitlement to the best customer service, from ASE certified technicians

– Access to our top of the line companion app that provides accurate information on what repairs are needed, how to do them, and how much they cost.

And perhaps most importantly, with the purchase of this diagnostic tool you receive the RepairSolutions2 app for FREE, meaning you can find out the costs and repairs needed for your particular issue.

To pick up this tool, and the FREE companion app, click here.

What to do next.

After you’ve purchased the tool, you’ll need to follow a couple of steps to further identify what needs to be fixed, and how much parts will cost.

1 – Download the RepairSolutions2 app.

The first thing that you need to do is download the Repair Solutions2 App.

This is the premium in automotive diagnostic companion apps, and you receive it for FREE with your innova tool purchase.

This app will pinpoint what exactly you need to do in terms of repairs and how much these repairs will cost.

To download this app, just click one of the buttons below.

3 – Get Report
Setup your account with your tool by following the instructions here.

Then create the report following the directions here.

You should receive a report that appears similar to the one below.

Viewing the repairs and costs for your vehicle

1 – Tap the Engine Element
Make sure your engine is switched on, and then tap the ‘engine’ key here.

2 – View your repair
Your Engine report will display.

Providing you information on the code, the fix needed, and the parts needed for repair.

After looking at this you should be aware of what repairs are required to fix the check engine light, and how much it will cost.

Need help? Then no worries. Just call up our customer service line of ASE certified technicians and we’ll be happy to help!

check engine light is on—and how to turn it off for good. Diagnose the cause, get fixes, and avoid guesswork.">

Got a

The ultimate guide to dealing with a check engine light

One of the most common issues when it comes to cars is the dreaded flashing check engine light.

When you see that your check engine light is flashing, it can be absolutely heartbreaking.

And it can be even more devastating when you have no idea how to repair a flashing check engine light.

But, fear no more.

Innova is here, with the ultimate guide to dealing with a check engine light.

So, to solve your flashing check engine light related queries, just read on!

Why is my check engine light on?

Let’s assume that you’ve seen the dreaded check engine light flashing.

Maybe you’re wondering why it’s doing that in the first place, so let us fill you in.

The flashing of the check engine light is your vehicles way of informing you that there is an issue with your car.

Specifically with your emission related area of the car.

When you see your check engine light lit up and steady, then it usually means that the issue isn’t an emergency, but you should still get it checked out.

However when you see a flashing check engine light, it means things are quite a bit more serious.

This is usually an indication of a severe engine misfiring, which can cause severe damage to your vehicle that is EXPENSIVE to repair.

Possible solutions for a blinking check engine light

So, you’ve got a check engine light that’s flashing in your car. How do you go about fixing it?

Well, you really have two options.

Firstly, you could go to your local mechanic for a vehicle diagnostic.

This will usually result in you paying more than you should for the repair, meaning you lose money that we don’t think you should lose.

What we suggest you do is take something of a DIY approach.

Here at Innova Electronics, we’re the people who wrote the book on producing shop quality diagnostic and repairs at home.

And we’d like to show you how you can do this and save money and time on going to the local car mechanic.

How to repair a flashing check engine light

Of course, if you’re reading this you decided that you wanted to repair your check engine light without breaking the bank.

And the way to do this is to pickup a high quality, affordable hand held tool.

The exact tool we suggest for this type of operation is the Innova 5510.

At just $294.00, this tool is an absolute bargain.

As well as being a high quality tool for mending a flashing check engine light, it also has the following features:

– SMOG check LED indicators

– ABS Diagnosis

– Code Severity Levels

– 365 day warranty

– Entitlement to the best customer service, from ASE certified technicians

– Access to our top of the line companion app that provides accurate information on what repairs are needed, how to do them, and how much they cost.

And perhaps most importantly, with the purchase of this diagnostic tool you receive the RepairSolutions2 app for FREE, meaning you can find out the costs and repairs needed for your particular issue.

To pick up this tool, and the FREE companion app, click here.

What to do next.

After you’ve purchased the tool, you’ll need to follow a couple of steps to further identify what needs to be fixed, and how much parts will cost.

1 – Download the RepairSolutions2 app.

The first thing that you need to do is download the Repair Solutions2 App.

This is the premium in automotive diagnostic companion apps, and you receive it for FREE with your innova tool purchase.

This app will pinpoint what exactly you need to do in terms of repairs and how much these repairs will cost.

To download this app, just click one of the buttons below.

3 – Get Report
Setup your account with your tool by following the instructions here.

Then create the report following the directions here.

You should receive a report that appears similar to the one below.

Viewing the repairs and costs for your vehicle

1 – Tap the Engine Element
Make sure your engine is switched on, and then tap the ‘engine’ key here.

2 – View your repair
Your Engine report will display.

Providing you information on the code, the fix needed, and the parts needed for repair.

After looking at this you should be aware of what repairs are required to fix the check engine light, and how much it will cost.

Need help? Then no worries. Just call up our customer service line of ASE certified technicians and we’ll be happy to help!

Check Engine Light?

We’ve Helped Over 150 Million Drivers Like You

For over 30 years, Innova has led the industry, helping people diagnose with speed, fix with confidence, and drive with peace of mind.
We’re not chasing trends. We set the standard.

What’s Your Car Trying to Tell You?
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The Hidden Cost of Guessing

What does my check engine light mean?

Your dashboard light came on. You don’t know why. And the shop wants $150 just to take a look. Sound familiar?

The check engine light on your dashboard means the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system has detected a problem.

It could be something minor, like a loose gas cap, or more serious, like an engine or emissions issue. Either way, it’s your car’s way of saying, “Something’s not right.”

Since the cause isn’t always obvious, the best way to know what’s wrong is to scan the vehicle with a diagnostic tool. That’s where we come in—let us help discover the problem so you can fix it with confidence.

Let us help discover the problem

Scenario #1

You could ignore it—
and risk a $2,000 repair later.

Scenario #2

You could Google it—
but your car won’t give you straight answers.

Scenario #3

Or… you could scan it yourself, right now.

The Solution

Go to either Autozone or O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store and get a FREE scan

Understand your car’s issue from home

Use an OBD2 scanner to understand the exact problem behind your car’s issues. Simply use your phone with our FREE RepairSolutions2 app to understand the full picture.

Know What’s Wrong

Detected Issue:
P0301 – Cylinder 1 Misfire

Repair Cost

Estimated Cost:
$120–$250

Severity

Severity Level:
Moderate

Future Risk

Future Risk:
Yes (fix soon)

Safe to Drive

Driveability:
Short Distances OK

“Bought this so I could see why my check engine light was on. I really like that it not only shows the code but also gives a brief description of what might cause the code.”
- Verified Amazon Customer

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“I would highly recommend this scanner for anyone who needs to find out why their check engine light is on.”

@Verified Amazon Customer

“My dad was having trouble figuring out the reason for an alert in his SUV. I got this for him and it instantly told him the issue and he was able to fix it.”

@Verified Amazon Customer

“These tools are great rentals for any do it yourselfer. Getting codes is easy as pie and half the time the info of what is wrong is displayed.”

@Verified Amazon Customer

“Money-wise, some scanners after one year require you to buy a yearly subscription. This one does not. Some scanners only support 1 car and require you to pay for second, third car, etc. This one does not. Some scanners are large. This one is tiny.”

@Verified Amazon Customer

“Easy setup, works great, easy to use, a very informative tool. Works fast, diagnosis entire vehicle, connected quickly , worth the price to get the answer to the codes and also projects the cost of parts to repair the vehicle.”

@Verified Amazon Customer

“I had a check engine light on my 2023 Promaster. It was easily reset and was a faulty seal on the gas cap. I also used it to reset the maintenance due light in my 2015 Lexus. It connected quickly and will be in my glove box from here on out. Very handy tool!”

@Verified Amazon Customer

Getting Started Takes Seconds

Using an OBD2 scanner is easier than you may think!

Step 2

Retrieve the fault code

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Step 3

Connect to our RS2 app and know what’s wrong

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The ultimate guide to dealing with a check engine light

One of the most common issues when it comes to cars is the dreaded flashing check engine light.

When you see that your check engine light is flashing, it can be absolutely heartbreaking.

And it can be even more devastating when you have no idea how to repair a flashing check engine light.

But, fear no more.

Innova is here, with the ultimate guide to dealing with a check engine light.

So, to solve your flashing check engine light related queries, just read on!

Why is my check engine light on?

Let’s assume that you’ve seen the dreaded check engine light flashing.

Maybe you’re wondering why it’s doing that in the first place, so let us fill you in.

The flashing of the check engine light is your vehicles way of informing you that there is an issue with your car.

Specifically with your emission related area of the car.

When you see your check engine light lit up and steady, then it usually means that the issue isn’t an emergency, but you should still get it checked out.

However when you see a flashing check engine light, it means things are quite a bit more serious.

This is usually an indication of a severe engine misfiring, which can cause severe damage to your vehicle that is EXPENSIVE to repair.

Possible solutions for a blinking check engine light

So, you’ve got a check engine light that’s flashing in your car. How do you go about fixing it?

Well, you really have two options.

Firstly, you could go to your local mechanic for a vehicle diagnostic.

This will usually result in you paying more than you should for the repair, meaning you lose money that we don’t think you should lose.

What we suggest you do is take something of a DIY approach.

Here at Innova Electronics, we’re the people who wrote the book on producing shop quality diagnostic and repairs at home.

And we’d like to show you how you can do this and save money and time on going to the local car mechanic.

How to repair a flashing check engine light

Of course, if you’re reading this you decided that you wanted to repair your check engine light without breaking the bank.

And the way to do this is to pickup a high quality, affordable hand held tool.

The exact tool we suggest for this type of operation is the Innova 5510.

At just $294.00, this tool is an absolute bargain.

As well as being a high quality tool for mending a flashing check engine light, it also has the following features:

– SMOG check LED indicators

– ABS Diagnosis

– Code Severity Levels

– 365 day warranty

– Entitlement to the best customer service, from ASE certified technicians

– Access to our top of the line companion app that provides accurate information on what repairs are needed, how to do them, and how much they cost.

And perhaps most importantly, with the purchase of this diagnostic tool you receive the RepairSolutions2 app for FREE, meaning you can find out the costs and repairs needed for your particular issue.

To pick up this tool, and the FREE companion app, click here.

What to do next.

After you’ve purchased the tool, you’ll need to follow a couple of steps to further identify what needs to be fixed, and how much parts will cost.

1 – Download the RepairSolutions2 app.

The first thing that you need to do is download the Repair Solutions2 App.

This is the premium in automotive diagnostic companion apps, and you receive it for FREE with your innova tool purchase.

This app will pinpoint what exactly you need to do in terms of repairs and how much these repairs will cost.

To download this app, just click one of the buttons below.

3 – Get Report
Setup your account with your tool by following the instructions here.

Then create the report following the directions here.

You should receive a report that appears similar to the one below.

Viewing the repairs and costs for your vehicle

1 – Tap the Engine Element
Make sure your engine is switched on, and then tap the ‘engine’ key here.

2 – View your repair
Your Engine report will display.

Providing you information on the code, the fix needed, and the parts needed for repair.

After looking at this you should be aware of what repairs are required to fix the check engine light, and how much it will cost.

Need help? Then no worries. Just call up our customer service line of ASE certified technicians and we’ll be happy to help!

.
Know exactly what’s wrong—before you spend a dime at the mechanic.

Basic

Innova 5210

Starter

Innova 1000

Advanced

Innova 5610
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For $99.99

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For $349.99

Essential Diagnostics +
Yes

Check Engine

Yes

Check Engine

Yes

Check Engine

Yes

SMOG / Emissions

Yes

SMOG / Emissions

Yes

SMOG / Emissions

Yes

Auto Re-Link

Yes

Auto Re-Link

Yes

Auto Re-Link

Yes

Code Priority

Yes

Code Priority

Yes

Code Priority

Yes

Code Severity

Yes

Code Severity

Yes

Code Severity

No

Battery & Charging System Test

Yes

Battery & Charging System Test

Yes

Battery & Charging System Test

No

All 10 OBD Modes

Yes

8 OBD Modes

Yes

All 10 OBD Modes

No

Drive Cycle Procedures

No

Drive Cycle Procedures

Yes

Drive Cycle Procedures

No

OBD2 Live Data Graphing

Yes

OBD2 Live Data Graphing

Yes

OBD2 Live Data Graphing

No

OBD2 Live Data Record / Playback

Yes

OBD2 Live Data Record / Playback

Yes

OBD2 Live Data Record / Playback

Yes

ABS Brake Codes

Yes

ABS Brake Codes

Yes

ABS Brake Codes

No

SRS Airbag Codes

Yes

SRS Airbag Codes

Yes

SRS Airbag Codes

No

All System Scan

Yes

All System Scan

Yes

All System Scan

No

Reads TPMS/Tire Pressure

Yes

Reads TPMS/Tire Pressure

Yes

Reads TPMS/Tire Pressure

Advanced Diagnostics +
No

Read Hybrid Battery Cell Voltage

No

Read Hybrid Battery Cell Voltage

Yes

Read Hybrid Battery Cell Voltage

No

Service Checks

Yes

Service Checks

Yes

Service Checks

No

Warning Lights

No

Warning Lights

Yes

Warning Lights

No

OEM Live Data

No

OEM Live Data

Yes

OEM Live Data

No

Bidirectional System Test

No

Bidirectional System Test

Yes

Bidirectional System Test

No

Special Functions, Routines, and Calibrations

No

Special Functions, Routines, and Calibrations

Yes

Special Functions, Routines, and Calibrations

No

OBD1 CoverageRequires OBD1 Connector

No

OBD1 CoverageRequires OBD1 Connector

Yes

OBD1 CoverageRequires OBD1 Connector

No

HD Truck CoverageRequires HD Connector

No

HD Truck CoverageRequires HD Connector

Yes

HD Truck CoverageRequires HD Connector

Yes

Compatible with RS2 App

Yes

Compatible with RS2 App

Yes

Compatible with RS2 App

No

Workshop Tools

Yes

4 Workshop Tools

Yes

34 Workshop Tools

No

Secure Gateway For FCA Vehicles

No

Secure Gateway For FCA Vehicles

No

Secure Gateway For FCA Vehicles

NOTE: Please be aware that not all features are supported by all vehicles, as it varies based on each vehicle’s year, make, and model. To confirm feature coverage, please use Innova’s Coverage Checker.

“Quality scanners and easy to use. Not your typical knickknack scanner. Shows the monitors all on one page, codes when they’re pending, stored or permanent, tells you what type of computer the car has and lastly; how long the check engine light was on. In other words, this is works well and is worth your buck.”

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Our Check Engine Guru

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