Check Engine Light

[regassert]

The Check Engine light keeps going on, but has only done so since the weather temp dropped. Anyone else have this problem, my mechanic keeps taking it in and telling me its nothing.

1997 XLT
4.0 SOHC
Stock, Kenwood Sound

 

[kps36]

Same here, except it is on the 95 Ranger (4 banger) 67K. I tried finding a code reader since i have 2 95 Fords. They are outrageous in $$. My CEL (Check Engine Light) on the ranger has been going on about 4 days after I clear it. It hasn't been that cold here (NC).
What does your temp gauge read? Is it on the 'cold' side. I suspect on mine, since I haven't changed the Tstat yet, that it is either that or the Engine Temp. Sensor that is on the top side of the engine. If it is not that, I haven't a clue. The dealership wants $35 just to read the code. And yours is saying it is nothing ??? Well it is certainly SOMETHING !
My son is getting fed up with having to reset his radio/CD every week 'cause it is one of those 'graphic-display-program-anything-and-everything' models.
And it is running fine.

 

[regassert]

Mt temp gauge is fine, and I just had both O2 sensors replaced, so I too am clueless. Constantly resetting the clock and the radio stations is getting on my nerves, not to mention the nagging by my girlfriend as to why I keep disconnecting the battery every few days.

 

[Triton46]

If disconnecting the battery the first time doesn't fix it, you are wasting your time by repeating this. Everytime you unhook the battery the computer must relearn all parameters. Gas mileage and performance suffer during this time.

The best thing to do is stop guessing and either buy a code reader ($100+) or just have Ford read it. My 91 can read the codes by a jumper on the EEC. I would recommend having Ford read the code and then do the work yourself. Most likely it is an emissions problem (O2, MAF, etc). Let us know what you find out.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by regassert
Mt temp gauge is fine, and I just had both O2 sensors replaced, so I too am clueless. Constantly resetting the clock and the radio stations is getting on my nerves, not to mention the nagging by my girlfriend as to why I keep disconnecting the battery every few days.

See my post under the General board for "Owner Notification Bulletin 00M12". It is possible that what you are experiencing is failed lower intake manifold o-rings. The problem shows up when the weather gets cooler. Sometimes the idle is very rough until the engine warms up, other times you will get a check engine light. Sometimes you will get both. My '97 SOHC experienced it last year, starting with a check engine light. The codes I pulled from mine were P0171 & P0174 (Short term fuel trims too lean banks 1 & 2). If it is the o-rings, Ford will repair it at no charge under the program 00M12. There is also a thread here regarding the rough idle and check engine light which is all related to the same thing (lower intake manifold o-rings). Look through some of the past posts to find it.

 

[01EB5.0]

I had a EPDF (or whatever it was) sensor die of me last week. I believe it was caused by the cold weather also. They said the sensor was a barometric pressure snesor or something like that. The light would not come on for a few mins after starting the car. The part was $76 and is right on the intake manifold and was very easy to replace. 2 hoses, 2 screws.
I would get the codes read though because I was told there was another program on the 95-97 explorer. Maybe the prodlem will be paid for free by the dealer!

[Edited by 95XLT on 01-10-2001 at 03:44 AM]

 

[F'in Bob]

Bottom line is you HAVE to get a code reader on it and look up the codes. An OBDII reader is about $160. Get a manual for the codes. Don't clear the codes by disconnecting the battery. That just delays the inevitable.

 

[GJarrett]

I second Robert -- thanks, BTW. Mine started during the first cold snap. That little 0-ring gasket must harden when it gets below freezing or something. A coworker just bought a used '97 and last week after a bitter cold night hers came on also. I bought a code reader for $150 and came up with a P0171 reading (bank 1 fuel too lean).

Both of ours was the same thing and we both got ours fixed for free yesterday per the 00M12 program at Ford dealerships.

I have an observation born of experience concerning the dissimilarity between grapes and coincidences. Grapes come in bunches, coincidences do not. Once coincidences start bunching up like grapes they cease to be coincidences. I have a feeling that you having your problem at the exact same time and weather as we have is no coincidence. Don't waste $150 on a code reader unless you just want one anyway.

Turn your Explorer into your local dealer and get it fixed for free.

 

[awhughes]

GJarrett
Wherer did you get an OBDII Code reader from for $150 bucks?

[Edited by awhughes on 01-10-2001 at 12:01 PM]

 

[GJarrett]

Autozone, $149.95.

 

[kps36]

I may, just because I have a 95 Ranger in addition to the 95 Exploder.
150 ain't bad at all. I had Pep Boys tell me, 'naw you can't get 'em'