Check engine light briefly flashing?

[metropolis986]

I started my car after work today and within a few seconds after setting off the check engine light came on and started flashing. This was for about 30-60 seconds or so, I pulled out in the work car park (without switching the engine off) and the flashing light disappeared and never came back on.

No noises, normal temperatures on everything etc. It was fine driving it back home and I am stumped as to why that happened? Is this something that has occured to anyone else? The only thing I can think off is the big drop in temperatures today but again, why would that affect the engine?

 

[BartyB]

I believe it's not uncommon with Boxsters. I've had it happen a few times. In my case it was mostly when starting after it's been wet and there was a bit of misfiring initially and after a couple of minutes the engine eventually fired on all six. The light stayed on for a minute or two and then went out. Another time it stayed on throughout a 10 mile journey and then went out after the self test when the car was next started and never came back on.

I had the local OPC investigate. They checked the fault codes and established a spark coil was cracked and breaking down when damp, causing the misfire and the check light to come on. Apparently, this sometimes happens when cars are started after having been unused for a while.

I understand that it's OK to drive on if the light goes out as the system is indicating there is no longer a fault condition. If the light remains on after successive re-starts then there is a continuing fault condition that needs to be addressed.

I'm sure others on the forum will have experienced this.