Intermittent CEL

[chrisf]

I have had the hard set CEL, and with the diagnostic codes, replaced the O2 sensors and DPFE sensor. This took care of the problem about 8 months ago.

I now have the CEL back, but it first comes on about 10 minutes after starting up. For about 2 days of starts and driving, it is on the entire time the engine is running. After about 2 days of staying illuminated, and 10 minutes of driving after a start, it clears, and stays clear for a couple of days. Then reappears again on a subsequent driving cycle after 10 minutes after a start.

The vehicle is a 96 XLT with a 4.0 L, and 120k miles. It runs well, and doesn't seem any different with or without the CEL illuminated.

Is is worth for me to replace the gas cap and/or purge solenoid, or should I start with the OBD II diagnostic test again? Where is the purge soleniod on this vehicle?

 

[Alec]

try to get it read

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

The purge solenoid is located above the spare tire, but I agree with Alec, get the codes read first so you know where to start.....

 

[aldive]

Its a crap shoot until you know what is causing the CEL.

 

[prybylo]

I had CEL in both my Explorer(twice) and my Taurus. All times in early spring, in the rain, as the weather started to warm up. Adding some dry gas during fill up cleared the light in a couple days in all cases. Lucky but a cheap and easy fix.