[harleyguy]

When the light is flashing that normally means a miss fire or major problem. If everything seems to be running ok it's probably not a huge deal. Normally an evap problem.
That being said you should still get it checked to know what you're dealing with.
Most auto parts stores will pull codes for you. I'm not sure where the connector is ( under steering wheel above pedals somewhere) but you shouldn't have to be pulling panels off.
For like $10 I got a simple code reader it is pretty handy.