The flashing lights are an error code. If the handbook is still in the machine ( behind the seat attached to a cable, usually) it should have a chart indicating what the error may be, based on the sequence of the flashes. The codes will also be in the service manual, but I couldn't locate them on the downloadable files link http://www.skidsteerforum.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=54&frmView=ShowPost&PostID=31190 but you may have better luck searching through....