Flashing Light in Center of Dash

[Elemino]

I tried searching for this, but not knowing what the thing is called makes it difficult. Last night the light in the center of the dash was flashing while I was driving the car. It would flash once, then followed by 6 flashes. It alternated the two for about 3 minutes. Does anyone know what this may be?

 

[Chubbs765]

I believe what you're taking about is the PATS light. But if I can remember right there should be a sequence on how the light blinks to tell you what is wrong. I may be wrong, I'm sure someone else will chime in

 

[Jrt1418]

PCM Relay?

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=71331

 

[SteveSC]

That would be what I would recommend the relay. It isn't expensive. You can try cleaning the contacts first, mine were very dirty. You would want to clean the contacts before you installed the new relay anyway.

 

[Elemino]

Oh that's nice... Of all the things I've worked on before... what is a PCM relay? lol

 

[Elemino]

NM... looked it up, and it appears to be a standard relay. This should be pretty easy assuming that's the problem.

Thanks guys! I'll check it out and report back.

 

[oddball]

The actual culprit is damage to the relay box in the trunk. If the car has ever had water in the spare tire well or a battery vent/leak in there, then the contacts in the box get corroded. Take a close look, clean it up with some electrical contact cleaner (parts store shelf item), insert/remove the relay several times, etc.

 

[SteveSC]

Mine was under the hood. The relay was about $5, one of the cheapest repairs I have ever done. The year and model would help with the location of the relay.

 

[Elemino]

Lol... Well I guess my signature doesn't stand out too much. It's an '03 LS.

 

[joegr]

I would expect the PCM relay, if you weren't driving (with the engine running) while the code was being flashed out. Did it start doing this right after you started the car, or was the light off and then started flashing while you were driving?