Strange dash light

[Fred Garvin]

While driving my 98 Sport 4WD SOHC Expolorer, I observed a strange icon light up on my dash. It is in the shape of a small gas pump, with about little three drops near it--it's located just to the lower left of the battery guage. The amber-colored light took about 2-3 seconds to slowly light; then went out for no apparent reason. I filled up with gas and it never appeared again. This is only the second time that I've seen it since I began driving the Explorer 1 year ago--the last time about 1 month ago. I do not notice any change in the driving or the engine--I was just cruisin' at about 65 mph.

My Ford manual has NO references to it, nor Carltons. No "check engine" light lit either. Any ideas what it is, what it refers to,and should I be concerned?

 

[Bashman]

Sounds like a Low Fuel Warning Light.

 

[Alec]

yup, sounds like a gas light to me. Is that what they look like on the newer ones?

 

[ok89]

No its not the low fuel light
I've had it too. Someone said that they use the same gauges on a vehicle with a diesel engine and it means moisture in the fuel. I've had mine light up for like 2 seconds and then off it went. There are several threads about it but no conclusive answer.

 

[Fred Garvin]

I had about 1/4 tank left--which was accurate because I filled up a bit later.
Moisture? Maybe.
Any Ford people out there who know what the heck the icon is meant to indicate?

 

[Robert]

The most likely answer is that it is because the dash is shared with other Ford vehicles that also get exported to other countries. Diesel engines are used much more frequently outside of the US. The description does sound like water in the fuel which is something you would want to know if you have a diesel. The Ranger probably uses the same instrument cluster. A diesel is an option in some markets. When I went to Malaysia earlier this year the new Rangers over there looked nothing like our Rangers here but still carried the "Splash" name and had a 2.2L turbo deisel in them.

 

[Fred Garvin]

Should I be worried that the light is coming on?

 

[Magicfan25]

Had that happen on my 98 4.0 SOHC sport too... took it in, theres not eve a bulb in there!!!!!!!!!!!!! Somethin else was lighting it up somehow now and then. I dont get it but they said there was no bulb in there. They covered where the bulb would go with some gooey black gunk. No one could tell me what it was for either. Mine appeared to light up even when I had plent of gas. who knows

 

[Bashman]

Normally I wouldn't say this, but in this case, I wouldn't worry about it. If no one else on this board can find a reason where this will hurt your truck in any way, I wouldn't worry about the light. These guys really know their stuff!!

 

[FordFanatic]

I just had that happen to me today... tripped me out. I thought I had a fuel leak or something. But I guess since no one has an answer, I won't worry about it. Hehe.