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
| Code | Area | Likely Cause | First Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0300/P030x | Ignition | Failed coil, fouled spark plug, lifter/cam wear | Swap coils/plugs, inspect lifters, run compression test. |
| P020x | Fuel delivery | Injector circuit fault, TIPM wiring issue | Use a noid light for injector pulse, inspect harness, test injectors. |
| P0171/P0174 | Air/fuel | Vacuum leaks, low fuel pressure | Smoke-test intake, verify fuel pressure under load. |
| P013x/P014x | O2 sensors | Heater failure, melted harness (after misfire) | Repair misfire, check heater resistance (5–10 Ω), inspect wiring. |
Diagnostic Flow
- Scan & document: Capture DTCs, freeze-frame data, Mode $06$ misfire counters and fuel trims.
- Visual inspection: Check coils, plugs, injector connectors, vacuum hoses and compression if misfire remains on one cylinder.
- Ignition check: Use an adjustable spark tester, swap coils/plugs, and inspect plug gaps/torque.
- Fuel system: Monitor fuel pressure and injector pulse width; clean or replace clogged injectors.
- Mechanical health: If misfire persists, conduct compression and leak-down tests, inspect lifters/cam lobes (HEMI engines).
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive when the check engine light flashes 9 times?
No. A flashing MIL indicates an active misfire that can overheat or melt the catalytic converter within minutes. Reduce throttle, avoid high load, and complete the diagnostic checklist before putting more miles on the vehicle.
Can I clear the flashing light without repairing the fault?
Clearing codes or disconnecting the battery only hides the warning temporarily. The PCM will flag the misfire again on the next drive cycle, so always address the underlying ignition, fuel, or mechanical issue first.
How do I know the repair worked?
After the fix, clear the codes with a scan tool, then complete 30–50 miles of mixed driving. If Mode $06$ misfire counters stay at zero and the MIL remains off, the repair is successful.
Need More Help?
Check the no-spark diagnostic guide and transmission troubleshooting guide for advanced workflows.