The check engine light is essential in detecting any underlying problem with your vehicle. When the ECU detects an incorrect value or data outside the standard value, it illuminates the check engine light or flashes 11 times, indicating a possible error.
So, why does the check engine light flashes 11 times? Your vehicle check engine light flashes 11 times due to the following reasons.
- Faulty oxygen gas sensor
- Defective mass air flow sensor
- Damaged spark plugs
- Loose or open gas cap
- Faulty catalytic converter.
This guide will review the leading causes of check engine light flashing 11 times and their possible solutions. I will also share the steps to diagnose specific problems causing the engine light to flash.
Check Engine Light Flashes 11 Times: A Quick Overview
Below is an overview of the leading causes of the check engine light flashing 11 times and how to stop it.
Causes of check engine light flashing 11 times | Possible solutions |
---|---|
Faulty oxygen gas sensor | Replace the damaged gas sensors. |
Damaged spark plugs | Remove the spark plugs and clean them. Replace the completely damaged spark plugs. |
Defective mass air flow sensor | Replace the sensors and inspect the cables for any electrical malfunction. |
Loose or open gas cap | Ensure the gas cap is sealed. Replace the gas cap with worn-out threads. |
Faulty catalytic converter | Inspect and repair the damaged parts or replace the converter. |
Check Engine Light Flashes 11 Times – (Detailed Causes And How To Fix Them!)
Let’s look at the leading causes of the check engine light flashing 11 times and how to fix them in detail.
1. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensors along the exhaust system detect the oxygen level in the exhaust gasses and send a signal to the ECU for appropriate action. The ECU regulates the amount of fuel injected for combustion to ensure a balance between the combustion gasses.
The ECU fails to get the correct oxygen signals when the oxygen sensors are faulty. This causes the engine to consume more fuel to compensate for the lost efficiency.
The oxygen sensor may be destroyed by the wrong wiring connection or due to high ethanol in the fuel.
Solution
- Check the wiring connection to ensure there is no short circuit. Repair or replace any broken parts of the connection.
- Replace the faulty oxygen gas sensors if damaged beyond repair. Ensure you use high-quality fuel with minimal amounts of ethanol.
2. Defective Mass Air Flow Sensor
The mass air flow sensors are critical in ensuring the engine runs smoothly. It detects and regulates the ratio of air to fuel injected into the combustion chamber to balance the two key components – air-fuel mixture.
When the MAF sensors are faulty, they send defective signals to the ECU, leading to inappropriate ignition timing. The check engine light flashes 11 times and may stop but flashback after stopping.
The MAF sensors may be blocked by dirt or damaged by a high voltage in the power lines. You can notice the check engine light comes on when the air conditioner is on due to the heavy workload on the air sensors.
Solution
The mass air flow sensor cannot be repaired since the sensors are used only one time. You need to replace the sensors and check the wiring to ensure there is no electrical short-circuiting.
3. Damaged Spark Plugs
Spark plugs provide the electrical spark responsible for igniting the engine during start-up. When the spark plugs are dirty from soot or the spring gap expands, they fail to provide enough electrical spark to fire up the engine.
When starting the vehicle, you will experience challenges, and the car keeps jerking with bumpy rides. These misfiring problems cause the check engine light to flash and white smoke coming from the valve cover.
The spark plug may be damaged by a high-voltage power supply loose wiring connection, or it may be worn out with time.
Solution
- Inspect the spark plugs and clean the sooty and blocked plugs. You can use sandpaper to scrub the soot or smooth steel wool and soap-water solution.
- For extended gapping, adjust the gaps for efficient sparkling using the gauge. Keep the spark plug gap between 0.028 – 0.060 inches.
- If the spark plug is damaged beyond repair, consider replacing it with the recommended OEM spare.
4. Loose Or Open Gas Cap
The gas cap is essential in keeping the fuel vapor in the reservoir and maintaining the required fuel pressure. The sensors send signals to the ECU for the correct pressure in the fuel tank.
However, when the sensors are faulty, they send wrong signals detected by the ECU and cause the engine check light to flash 11 times, indicating a problem.
The loose or open gap may be due to worn-out threads or rubber, causing the fuel vapor to leak.
Solution
- A loose or open gas cap is a severe problem as it may even start fires when the fuel vapor leaks into the environment. Inspect the lid and tighten it appropriately.
- Replace the cap with a new OEM spare if it is worn out or damaged.
5. Faulty Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter treats the harmful gasses from the engine combustion chamber along the exhaust system. This prevents the release of toxic products, such as carbon monoxide, into the environment.
When the catalytic converter is faulty, it causes the harmful gasses to be released in their untreated form. The sensors send data to the ECU with incorrect values, which causes your vehicle check engine light to flash 11 times.
It may also be due to loose wiring along the electrical connection of the catalytic converter, especially if the light stops flashing after 11 times.
Solution
The catalytic converter is complex to repair due to its sensitivity. Replace it with a new OEM spare that will cost between $1700 and $2100, including labor costs.
How Do You Diagnose the Exact Problems Causing the Check Engine Light to Flash 11 Times?
You need to diagnose the issue before embarking on the repair or replacement. Diagnose using an OBDII scanner to read the error code for an accurate and precise diagnosis. Read the codes displayed against a manual guideline and then address that specific problem.
To diagnose using an OBDII scanner, follow the steps below.
Step 1
Locate the link for data collection found on the driver’s side.
Step 2
Connect the OBDII scanner to the data link collector.
Step 3
Turn the ignition to the ‘on’ position.
Step 4
Scroll the scanner screen to diagnose the specific error codes.
Step 5
Input the vehicle’s specifications, such as the model and year of make.
Step 6
Scan the vehicle and read the codes on the screen.
Step 7
Use a manual or online code table to get the meaning of the displayed codes.
Conclusion
If you see the check engine light flashing 11 times and going off, you must stop and diagnose your car’s exact problem. At most times, check for bad wiring connections or damaged sensors.
You can use an OBDII scanner to diagnose the exact problem to avoid unnecessary repairs and replacements. Always take your vehicle for maintenance service frequently to fix any underlying issues.
You can consult a mechanic to fix the problem if you have no skills and know-how to deal with the situation.