Check Engine light is on.

[shopb4ubuy]

Light has been on for awhile. What could cause that?

 

[Turdle]

Welcome to the forum.

Here is a list of possibilities, post 2 of this thread

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228242


As you can see, we can only guess what could be the cause of your problem. If you go to an Autozone parts store, they will hook a scanner to you car and read the codes for you. Do not buy anything though until you report back, as they will try to sell you a part not really knowing what the cause is. Be sure to write all the code(s) down on a notepad.

I have moved this thread to the Stock 1995-2001 Explorer sub forum for better views.

 

[koda2000]

Your vehicle is equipped with about a dozen emissions related sensors. It also has an onboard computer that monitors these sensors. When the computer sees something it doesn't like (a sensor outside of it's expected range) it turns on the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT to alert you of a problem. An onboard diagnostics (OBD II) code scanner interfaces with you vehicle's computer and displays any diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) found. The problem might be something as minor as a loose gas cap, a bad sensor, or a broken wire. Sometimes one actual problem will trigger multiple codes, so further diagnostics are typically required before purchasing replacement parts.

 

[itzbinnice]

Your vehicle is equipped with about a dozen emissions related sensors. It also has an onboard computer that monitors these sensors. When the computer sees something it doesn't like (a sensor outside of it's expected range) it turns on the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT to alert you of a problem. An onboard diagnostics (OBD II) code scanner interfaces with you vehicle's computer and displays any diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) found. The problem might be something as minor as a loose gas cap, a bad sensor, or a broken wire. Sometimes one actual problem will trigger multiple codes, so further diagnostics are typically required before purchasing replacement parts.

Excellent post and advice, especially "Sometimes one actual problem will trigger multiple codes".