Dodge Check Engine Light Flashes 9 Times – What to Do

Dodge Check Engine Light Flashes 9 Times: What It Means

A flashing MIL that pulses nine times in a row on many Dodge vehicles is the PCM’s way of telling you a severe misfire or fuel control fault is occurring. Instead of ignoring it, follow this guide to diagnose the misfire, protect the catalytic converter, and clear the light safely.

• Applies to: Late-model Dodge Charger, Challenger, Ram, Durango and similar PCM strategies.
• Immediate actions: Reduce throttle, avoid towing/track driving, and scan for codes as soon as it is safe.
• Tools: OBD-II scanner, spark tester, compression gauge, fuel pressure gauge, smoke tester.

Why the MIL Flashes

Diagnostic Flow

1. Scan & document: Capture DTCs, freeze-frame data, Mode $06$ misfire counters and fuel trims.
2. Visual inspection: Check coils, plugs, injector connectors, vacuum hoses and compression if misfire remains on one cylinder.
3. Ignition check: Use an adjustable spark tester, swap coils/plugs, and inspect plug gaps/torque.
4. Fuel system: Monitor fuel pressure and injector pulse width; clean or replace clogged injectors.
5. Mechanical health: If misfire persists, conduct compression and leak-down tests, inspect lifters/cam lobes (HEMI engines).
6. Post-repair validation: Clear codes, drive under light load, monitor fuel trims and misfire counters; ensure the MIL does not return.

Resetting the MIL

• Use a scan tool to clear the MIL after the repair; avoid battery disconnects.
• Drive cycle: run 30–50 miles of mixed traffic to reset readiness monitors.
• If the MIL flashes again, repeat the diagnostic checklist immediately.