buy'n/////check gauge light

[gf's_97_sport]

no heat when fan is on, and "check gauge" light comes on after about 10mins of driving. My guess is it's thermostat, but I dont know explorer's. Is there a way to diagnose with the ignition key and flashing check engine codes?

thanks

 

[Opera House]

Go to Autozone and get code read free

I have a 97 and it has the blend door problem. I posted about a week ago a quick temporary fix. Doubt it is connected to the check engine light. Mine had a stuck open thermostat when I bought it, still had heat, the temp gauge never moved, and it never got a check engine light because of that. Do a search on blend door. This is one of those repairs that is up there like a transmission. Start saving your $750.

 

[alphabets13]

just got mine fixed and after i got a deal cuz i know the guy, still $597!

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by gf's_97_sport
no heat when fan is on, and "check gauge" light comes on after about 10mins of driving. My guess is it's thermostat, but I dont know explorer's. Is there a way to diagnose with the ignition key and flashing check engine codes?

thanks

The "Check Gage" light is because one of your gauges is operating outside of its normal parameters. Guages that can cause the light to come on are oil pressure, fuel level, water temperature and battery. When the light comes on after about 10 minutes of driving, it is usually related to the water temperature. After about 10 minutes, your engine is up to normal operating temperature. If your thermostat is stuck closed, your temperature will continue to climb. Once it hits the red area, your light will come on. You will also notice a high idle. If you are getting these symptoms, then it is likely your thermostat.

Since you said you aren't getting any heat though, I don't think the two problems are related. If your thermostat was stuck closed, you would get plenty of heat. Replace the thermostat first if you haven't put a new one in in the last 2 or 3 years. Thats all the Ford ones last anyways. If you still have heater problems, check out the blend door.