Just had something pretty weird happen on a trip this weekend. My check engine light started blinking under WOT during a 45 - 80 mph passing maneuver... Began as soon as I put the pedal to the floor and lasted for about 10 seconds, then went out and hasn't come back on since. Car still runs perfectly, however - Any thoughts?

 

maybe it sensed a misfire, or odd driving pattern. Do you perform racing manuevers like this often? I would just monitor it. See if you can duplicate it again. If it doesn't happen then you'll be in the clear.

 

Happened to me quite a few times. Try it again and see if it comes back.

I did a timing belt/sparks job on it and it has not happened again BUT sometime is wrong with my VTEC and it doesn't kick in anymore.

In the process of diagnosing it and will let you know. Stop by autozone and see if you can pull any codes and let me know. I was lazy and didn't get a chance to get the code.

 

A blinking engine light could mean alot of things. The best way to find out is to have autozone, petboys or local mechanic pull the code for you. Good Luck.

 

Blinking D light and blinking Check Engine Light are two different things. Which one did you get?

OP, blinking CEL usually means mis fire detected. I hate cars probably has a better explanation as to why it's happening but it most likely is due to fuel? If it keeps happening try higher octane fuel if possible. Ensure you are using 91 octane at a minimum.

 

Totally misread the thread. I was thinking Blinking D light. My bad.

 

I've always used 93 rating. Probably was a misfire as the VTEC was engaging.

What's the "D light"?

 

VTEC won't engage if something is wrong with the timing belt, valves and oil presures! Be careful!

Also if your timing belt is slightly off it could cause that misfire under wide open throttle. I'd get it checked out and see what's going on. Also did you use the factory NGK spark plugs? If not that could also cause an issue.

 

I agree. Timing belt was just changed along with sparks (NGK Iridium OE).

I had the blinking CEL problem before and now that's gone. New one is no more VTEC. I just did an oil change after work and will see how she goes tomorrow. If it's the same then I am sure that the problem is with timing belt or solenoid. I have a thread with all the steps to diagnose. Will report back after I figure it out.

 

I would recheck all the timing belts and tensioners and such to make sure nothing is improperly set.

 

I had this happen to me a few nights ago, I was merging onto the highway at around 5-6k rpms and my CEL was blinking off and on. The next morning I WOT to pass somebody on a 2 lane road and at about 6.5k rpms the CEL came on and stayed on this time. My car is currently at Acura, they pulled the code which came back as a misfire. I'll let you know what else they come back with when I get a call

 

"Odd driving pattern" would cover it... I don't usually give it full throttle all at once at relatively low road speeds that require a multi-gear kickdown - i.e., 4th down to 2nd.

... Although, the sound was glorious!

I did have to do something similar on the return leg of the trip, but not quite as extreme. The CEL stayed off... Perhaps I just blew out some carbon, as most of my driving has been stop & go lately.

 

I had the flashing check engine light a couple of yrs ago. Had the codes read and it was random misfire on a # of cylinders. This only happened when WOT at around 5k-6k rpm (usually 2nd gear going to 3rd), and not all the time. I found a TSB that stated a possible update to the ECM/PCM (for my '04), and after this check engine light flashed a few times I had my local dealer perform the TSB, and no problems since. As others have said it could be a # of things, just try to get the codes pulled. Let us know........

 

Yeah, I had heard something about an ECU update - since I have an 04, I'll look into it.

 

ecm update. applies to 04 TL's. TSB #03-033

 

sounds like a misfire detected.and that service bulletin is a great way to start if you havent done it yet.