Check Engine Light and engine tempature

[jamica]

I have a 97' Forx Explorer Eddie Bauer SOHC. A few weeks ago my check check gage light came on, andmy message center said check engine temp. When i looked at the engine temp it was high but dropped down to normal after about 15 seconds. Then the other day it did this again, however I noticed my heat went cold. (Yes I still have it on 90* stupid minnesota). Then today on my way to work my check engine light came on and it stayed on the whole way. My engine temp did not go up and it drove like is normally does. Any ideas??

 

[bobflood]

I have a 97' Forx Explorer Eddie Bauer SOHC. A few weeks ago my check check gage light came on, andmy message center said check engine temp. When i looked at the engine temp it was high but dropped down to normal after about 15 seconds. Then the other day it did this again, however I noticed my heat went cold. (Yes I still have it on 90* stupid minnesota). Then today on my way to work my check engine light came on and it stayed on the whole way. My engine temp did not go up and it drove like is normally does. Any ideas??

Check your coolant level in overflow tank and radiator; could have an issue with either coolant level or thermostat. Get codes read for check engine (not check gauge?) light. There are separate temp sensors for gauge and PCM, so check engine light could indicate a temp problem while gauge reads normal.

 

[jamica]

Yes the check engine light came ontday instead of check gage that has been coming on. Thanks for your help!

 

[jamica]

I checked my coolant level and teh resivouir was empty. I added some of the 50/50 mix stuff you can buy in and the check engine light is still on. How long does it take for the light to turn off?

 

[bobflood]

I checked my coolant level and the resivouir was empty. I added some of the 50/50 mix stuff you can buy in and the check engine light is still on. How long does it take for the light to turn off?

Jamica: The check engine light may not be related to the coolant level at all. Take the vehicle to a chain auto parts store (Advance, Autozone, etc), have them read the codes with a code reader, write them down and then bring them back and post here. The folks here can help better with the problems if we have the codes.