04 ST Check Engine light

[KajunBndit]

I had changed my oil in the Sport Trac this afternoon, all is well. When I had started the truck to get the oil movin' in the motor, the check engine light came on. I drive it for a half hour so the truck was more than warmed up. It is still on. I will check in the morning to see if it come back on or not.
Does the check engine light comes on after a oil change? Is there a way to reset it? Or might there be something major about to happen? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[2000StreetRod]

which engine?

Nobody knows which engine you have.

You can clear the DTCs by removing battery power for a few minutes if you don't have a code reader. However, I suggest that you read the codes. They can be very useful. You can go to your local auto parts discount store and have them read and then post them on the forum.

 

[swshawaii]

ALL 2001-05 Sport Tracs have the 4.0L SOHC engine. Some differences between the Job 1 and
Job 2 for the 2001 model year only. 2006-10 Gen 2 ST's had either the 4.0L SOHC or the 4.6L V8.

The "Job 1" 4.0L SOHC featured an alloy intake manifold. This was changed to a composite manifold
in June 2000, and the oil filler cap moved from the driver side to the passenger side of the engine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Explorer_Sport_Trac


Ford OBD-II Trouble Codes
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2054355&postcount=2

 

[KajunBndit]

Thank you StreetRod, and yes, the oil filler tube is on the passenger side.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Passenger side filler is a Job2 motor. Take it to advanced, oreillys or autozone to have the OBD II system for free, there's a list of codes #'s and ways to fix them, usually something simple and stupid but better to check it. You can reset the system by disconnecting the battery terminals for about 30 minutes but if there is a code it'll eventually come back on, not always right away. It could go through a couple restart cycles before catching the code again.

 

[2000StreetRod]

not the 4.6L

Sorry, I thought the 4.6L was available on the Sport Trac in 2004. I normally fill a new oil filter when replacing so the engine doesn't have to run as long with no oil pressure. That helps the timing chain tensioners as well as all engine bearings. I'm not aware of an oil pressure sensor output to the PCM. Some Explorers have a oil level sensor in the pan. I would think if the check engine light came on because of low oil level or pressure it would immediately clear after starting the engine. I suspect the light is on for some other reason.

 

[KajunBndit]

Thank You Midnight Rebel and StreetRod! I have reset the check engine light but will keep a eye on it. I think the engine light came on because of low oil pressure after I changed the oil. But again, who knows, I will keep a eye on the check engine light. Thank you for all advise, I really do appreciate it. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Just so you know, you can still have the codes read even with no CEL on and if there's a problem then it'll show up on the reader.

 

[05dakotatrac]

The oil pressure sender/sensor is used for the gauge and bypassing the filter and yes it does have a signal to the check engine light if under a certain psi

 

[2000StreetRod]

oil pressure pid?

I forgot that the later generation Explorers have a digital instrument cluster instead of an all analog in the 1st and 2nd generation models. If the oil pressure sensor output goes to the PCM then there should be a PID for it. Can you datalog actual oil pressure or just normal or low?

 

[KajunBndit]

Ok, the wife and I heading back home from town, the Check engine light come back on. I will be going to o'reily or auto zone to see if they can read it and what the problem might be. When I find out something I will be posting here. Thanks guys!

 

[MidnightRebel07]

It's probably something simple, don't stress over it until it cost a ton of money. LOL (it rarely does). When you get the code post it here in this thread and we'll help you fix it.

 

[Newfy Trac]

It's probably something simple, don't stress over it until it cost a ton of money. LOL (it rarely does). When you get the code post it here in this thread and we'll help you fix it.

+1 My CEL light kept coming on once a week, unplug the battery to clear it and 1 week later back on. Ended up being the gas cap. Of all dumb things. $14 later, no more CEL.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

I'm not saying to forget about getting it checked. It's usually something easy, cheap or free to fix.

Newfy, if your code was for the gas cap and it comes on again get a oem cap from the dealer, you shouldn't have anymore problems after that. (Our trucks don't seem to like aftermarket parts like gas caps and spark plugs, etc...) I dealt with the gas cap problem for three years, drove me crazy buying new Stant caps, finally went back to new oem and no issue's since. Also check the evaporator hose that connects the two boxes under the bed above the spare, mine worked itself completely off of the ride side some how recently (I was just working under the rear of the truck the day before too).

 

[KajunBndit]

Thank you Newfie and Rebel. As soon as I find out what the code means, I will post it here!

 

[Newfy Trac]

Yep I bought the cap from Ford. It was $5 more than the aftermarket cap. Well worth it.

Good luck and report back what your code is.

 

[KajunBndit]

Ok, I have the Check Engine light code. PO193 Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor, High Input. Rebel, do you have any clue or do I need to bring it in to the shop? LOLOL

 

[2000StreetRod]

fuel rail pressure sensor

There is a pressure/temperature sensor installed on the fuel rail that provides data to the PCM to control fuel pressure.

Here's where it's located on a 2004 Explorer.

It's quite a coincidence that it failed at the same time that you changed your oil. The failure indicates it could be an open path. Perhaps you knocked it loose. Check the electrical connector. Also check the vacuum hose connection and hose for splits. It provides a pressure reference for the fuel pressure output signal.

 

[KajunBndit]

Thank you StreetRod for the information. I have notice the past few days while driving, the truck misses like a fuel filter would need to be changed. Doesn't happen all the time. I don't think I had hit it while I was changing the oil, but I do suspect that maybe a vacuums line is either cracked, or need to be replaced.Any more information you think I could use, please send it on.

 

[KajunBndit]

Ok, I had looked under the hood earlier this afternoon, and had to admit, I didn't see the sensor. I had even run my hand along the the rail and couldn't even feel anything. I did look @ the hoses trying to find split ends and unplugged a few connectors and reseated them. Right now the truck seems to run a little bit better. The picture look similar to my motor StreetRod, except I couldn't find the fuel rail sensor.