My car is an 03 with almost 10,000 miles on it. Last night the light flashed after running 2nd to 8000RPMS. This afternoon I started the car and it flashed again. I checked the oil and it was just below the last x. I filled it to an acceptable amount and the car still flashes upon start up and goes away after a few flashes. Likely that something was damaged? Is this common or should I take it to a dealership?

 

Means the service timing is coming up... eventually it will become a solid light.. and you reset it by following the instructions in the manual

 

Just read the manual, if you have it. The light starts flashing 3,000 Miles (I think) after the previous reset. It's just a timer to tell you you're probably due for an oil change.

If you leave it go a while it'll stay on all the time.

If I remember correctly, to turn it off, do this:

Turn car off all the way.

Hold the trip reset button down with your left hand.

While holding the trip reset button down, turn the ignition all the way on. Keep holding the trip reset button until the light goes out.

To see if it worked, turn car all the way off and then back on.

 

At the risk of hurting your feelings (as I've done many times in the past on this topic) ........................... It's all in the owner's manual.

Why would you garner this conclusion?
It's a MAINTENANCE REQUIRED indicator, not a "OH MY GAWD, IT'S ABOUT TO CRAP OUT" indicator.

 

aka the flashing CEL

 

Xviper,

When I saw this thread, I literally laughed out loud. Twice within the same week, what are the chances?

I am busy reading my manual as we speak.

 

Beanolo, don't ignore a CEL. That could be a serious issue. This was the Maintenance Light.

 

Hang in there.......you'll see a lot more....

Now you know why I gave you the:

 

Haha, now you know why.
I remembered your post and thus, tempered my response here (a little).
Give it another year, or two, or three. You may get the urge yourself.

 

LOL,

I think I should probably finish the owner's manual first.