CEL question

[dondiesel444]

I have a re-occuring CEL, I am waiting to get a scanner next week, the $40 one from Habour Freight, but last time I had the codes ran at a shop I THINK there was a code for something to do with the EVAP system, and some kind of valve or something near the gas tank. Is this a common X problem anyone knows anything about?? Thanks a lot!!

 

[aldive]

Get the exact code and we can better help you.

Good luck......

 

[BradE.]

The $40 tool from Harbor Freight is NOT a scanner. It's a code reader. 2 very different tools.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by BradE.
The $40 tool from Harbor Freight is NOT a scanner. It's a code reader. 2 very different tools.

.... and you do get what you pay for....

 

[dondiesel444]

geez sorry, I meant a code reader, thats all I really need, once I know the code I have books which tell what the codes mean and what steps to follw (not Ford specific, but ODB II specific)

I was just wondering if there is a common X problem with the EVAP system, so maybe there is something I can check until my CODE READER arrives.

 

[Opera House]

There is a solenoid above the spare tire

with the charcoal canisters. Think this is the same setup as on my 97. That solenoid can get a lot of water spray in it. It had about disintegrated on my 97 and the valve stuck open giving the code. If it looks bad, it probably is. About $36 from dealer. Probably more common problem in high salt areas.

 

[dondiesel444]

thank you very much Opera House!!

that's exactly wha t I was looking for, thats what I think my problem is, and I do live in a high-salt area!! how hard is it to replace, do I have to take down the spare tire to get to it????

thanks again

 

[Opera House]

Spare tire has to b removed

If anything like mine, I had to use an extension on the ratchet to get the bolts loose from the frame even with soaking oil. Everything that is powder coated finished on this car seems to rust more than if just painted. The powder coat layer seems to just hold water in. My mounting plate was paper thin and I took everything off and painted it. The tubes disconnect without any special tools. Think you just press on the clips. There is a speial plastic mount for the solenoid that you should not damage. They don't give you one with the valve. I had to cut mine at the top to slide it off the solenoid. Used a couple ty-wraps to secure the new one onto it. I wrapped a layer of electrical tape around the metal section of the new solenoid body. Thought that might give it a couple extra years of rust protection.

 

[dondiesel444]

Just curious, do you have the part # for that, or what exactly do I tell the dealer I need??

Thanks again for all your help!!

 

[Opera House]

My 97 was

listed as SOLENOID A part number F78Z 9F45 BA. Got the feeling that this was a transition part because he had to keep looking and checking. The label on the old part wasn't readable. You would be able to remove it and still drive to get the part as it is on the exit of the charcoal canister. The valve closes when power is applied to it if you want to test it when removed.

 

[dogfriend]

I posted a picture in the thread where we were talking about this a couple of months ago...Evap Vent Solenoid

How is your Min Pin doing?

 

[dondiesel444]

thanks DogFriend

I searched for that old post but I couldn't find it, thanks for giving me the link to it.

our MinPin is great, it was her birthday recently, on the 4th of July, she is 1 year old now!!

 

[dogfriend]

Originally posted by dondiesel444

I searched for that old post but I couldn't find it, thanks for giving me the link to it.

I searched for "evap" but it also comes up if you search for "Min Pin"

Our Min Pin is almost 12 years old with a grey face and chest, but the little kids still think she's a puppy.