Blinking means that the control computer has detected a relatively serious problem. You should connect to an OBD2 diagnostic scanner and find out what's wrong, and do it soon before something is damaged.
Many auto parts retailers will allow you to use a scanner and often someone will help you connect it and read the results.
Normally a flashing check engine light means you have a misfire. Do not ignore this as an engine misfire will damage the O2 sensor and the catalytic converter which are very expensive to replace. Have this repaired immediately.
The vehicle is due a service soon
That requires an OBDII engine scanner.
engine code reader go to autozone its free tgere
Have vehicle scanned to determine the problem
If the check engine light is blinking that indicates an engine cylinder misfire has been detected
If the check engine light is blinking that means an engine cylinder misfire has been detected
If the check engine light is blinking that means an engine cylinder misfire has been detected
When ever the service engine light is blinking you risk doing serious damage to the catalytic converter. I would recommend not using the vehicle until the problem is fixed. Replacing the cat can be very expensive. Have a trusted mechanic diagnose and correct the engine problem.
If the check engine light is blinking that means an engine cylinder misfire has been detected
On our 2000 Silverado 2500 the blinking can mean a misfiring cylinder or ours also does this from "extended" periods of high RPM operation, like when driving over 70 mph. I feel our truck is especially sensitive to this because the rear end has the 4.1 gear set, I have often wondered if a truck equiped with 3.73 ratio or 3.42 ratio would still do this.
When the service engine soon light is blinking, it means a subsystem of the engine has failed. It could be something as simple as a broken gas cap, or it could be a serious engine problem. If the Explorer is still running fine, it is best to get the codes read at an auto service shop to determine the next course of action.