My wife said that on the way to work this morning our 2002 Rodeo V6 had a flashing check engine light. It would flash 18 times and stop for about two minutes, then repeat. It did this for about 30 minutes. On the way home there was no check engine light and when I plugged in the code reader there were no codes. Anyone have any ideas?

I am having the issue with the engine stumbling and the "cruise set" light coming on at the same time. Sometimes the CEL flashes just as you describe, but there are no codes. Frustrating <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> Usually a flashing CEL indicates that there is a stored code. Tomorrow I am going to replace the alternator (and serpentine belt while I'm at it) and if that doesn't work, I made an appointment at the dealership on Friday. But, without a code, the dealership has a hard time finding the source. Sorry - no answers - just sharing in your confusion.

Pete

The most puzzling thing about my situation is that it did not throw a code and it hasn't done it again. The Rodeo has 33,000 miles on it and runs smooth, there have been no driveability issues with it and we bought it new.

Typically, whenever a new code is detected the check engine light will flash. However, if the fault is intermittent, the light may go out by itself (though I would think the code would still be stored). Perhaps it was just a loose gas cap or some code that is not deemed important enough to store.