Is there any way to read a check engine light?

[El Duque]

A little background:

I bought a '99 XLT 4.0 4wd as a second vehicle from my boss, he crashed it about a year ago and blew the airbags. The cosmetic damage is actually pretty minor. So, he patched up the interior and drove it for a few months, then bought a new car and let the explorer sit.

I've been driving it for the last two days to see what kind of problems would pop up. The truck has 180,000 miles and still runs great. Obviously the airbag light is on, but today the CEL came on too. I was wondering if it could be something related to the airbags, or something else.

I know on some cars you can use a paper clip and stick it into the jumper, or just count the number of times a CEL blinks, I'm sure there are other methods.
I would just like to know because I have to get the car inspected this Friday and I don't have time to get it fixed (if it's a potentially large problem) and inspected in the same day. So if it's something I could fix ahead of time it would be great.
Thanks

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Autozone & Advanced Auto will read them for free.

 

[askingxforxit]

Some auto parts stores will let you use a "code reader" in their parking lot. They will show you how to use it. OR, you can buy a code reader.

Good luck and enjoy the Ex!!

 

[El Duque]

Thanks for the replies, but since I only have a couple of days I don't know if I'll get a chance to make it to an auto-parts store.

I guess there's no way to check with the old paper clip and blinking light method?

thanks

 

[askingxforxit]

Thanks for the replies, but since I only have a couple of days I don't know if I'll get a chance to make it to an auto-parts store.

I guess there's no way to check with the old paper clip and blinking light method?

thanks

I dont think so, never heard of such a thing with an Ex.

 

[steventadams]

That works with OBDI (EEC-IV?) type vehicles (1991-1994 explorers). 1995 and up ford switched to OBD-II on the explorers and the only way to read the codes is with a code reader. Just have to plug it in to a port in the dashboard and they pop right up. 5 minute job.

 

[El Duque]

That works with OBDI (EEC-IV?) type vehicles (1991-1994 explorers). 1995 and up ford switched to OBD-II on the explorers and the only way to read the codes is with a code reader. Just have to plug it in to a port in the dashboard and they pop right up. 5 minute job.

Allright, I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the help guys!

 

[MONMIX]

it has nothing to do with the bags.
That is a separate system.

Are you contimplating buying it ?
If so do note that bags are very expensive.
That and you will need to look for hidden damage from the impact.

 

[aldive]

I guess there's no way to check with the old paper clip and blinking light method?

thanks

That was an old OBDI trick.

 

[Joe Dirt]

That works with OBDI (EEC-IV?) type vehicles (1991-1994 explorers). 1995 and up ford switched to OBD-II on the explorers and the only way to read the codes is with a code reader. Just have to plug it in to a port in the dashboard and they pop right up. 5 minute job.

Incorrect. The 1995 also can self read codes.

 

[El Duque]

it has nothing to do with the bags.
That is a separate system.

Are you contimplating buying it ?
If so do note that bags are very expensive.
That and you will need to look for hidden damage from the impact.

Actually, I already bought it. It was only $500. If it passes inspection I won't even bother replacing them

 

[KPT]

Incorrect. The 1995 also can self read codes.

This is correct. 95 is still OBDI. It has an OBDII diagnostic port but it obviously doesn't work....

 

[Joe Dirt]

LOL- I use my custom jumper wire that I keep in my glove box for quick reads on the run!

 

[MONMIX]

Actually, I already bought it. It was only $500. If it passes inspection I won't even bother replacing them

I cant imagine it passing with out air bags
either way not a safe descision.