1996 Mercury Grand Marquis Logo
Shirley Somerville Posted on Feb 17, 2014
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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The Check Engine light came on while driving but the car seems to drive okay. What could cause the light to come on?

After I got home from work, I parked the car and turned it off. I turned it back on to see if the light would go out but it did not. I'm concerned as to what type of problem it could be and could it be hazardous to drive the car?

1 Answer

Brad Brown

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  • Mercury Master 19,187 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 17, 2014
Brad Brown
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Take it to an autoparts store that is a large chain like autozone, they can read the codes for you for free. IT is ok to drive UNLESS the light start flashing.

  • 1 more comment 
  • Neil Williams
    Neil Williams May 05, 2014

    Brad Brown is corrext.

  • Neil Williams
    Neil Williams May 05, 2014

    The check engine light comes on to let you know there is a problem with your vehicle.

  • Neil Williams
    Neil Williams May 05, 2014

    It could be minor or serious,don't take a chance do what he said.

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5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 453 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 19, 2009

SOURCE: Check gauges and Check Engine Lights

The sending unit for the oil guage will cause the oil guage to fluctuate this is caused from some sludge build up that is more than likely stuck in the sending unit tube. Use Gunk motor flush on your next oil change this should help the oil guage problem.( make sure you read the direction on the back of the bottle)
As for the check engine light you can take it to Auto Zone and have them scan the computer. Sometimes the EGR valve will build up with carbon causing the valve to stick slightly open which will make the idle on the car fluctuate up and down. Its also possible you need O2 sensors.

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Anonymous

  • 23 Answers
  • Posted on May 01, 2009

SOURCE: turn signals dont work brake lights dont work

You didn't mention your rear brake lights. If they don't work either then you probably have a bad light control module (LCM). This is a common problem with big Fords. You can buy a replacement part ($250) or have yours rebuilt (www.autoecu.com). The module is located under the dash to the right of the steering column and is fairly easy to replace.
Do the turn signals work? If not it may be the turn signal switch. The aftermarket parts are cheaper than a Ford factory part; check the guarantee before deciding.
Worse case scenario? You need both parts.

Jonah Oneal

  • 14092 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 12, 2009

SOURCE: 91 mercury tracer check engine light after starter replacement

when you disconnect the battery.when changing the starter.you lost computer memory.the computer is going through relearning its program.it effects idling.should clear up after driving around a day or two.if it keep stalling take it to the ford dealership to relearn to idle.

mclaen

  • 486 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 02, 2011

SOURCE: check engine light is flashing while driving. It

The check engine lamp will flash when the computer/emission system sees a problem that could possibly damage the catalytic converter or other components. Often the cause is a cylinder or cylinders that are misfiring which will make the engine run rough. Because the light has been flashing you should have the problem checked out and repaired to avoid any possible damage. Good luck, hope this helps!

Anonymous

  • 3301 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 27, 2011

SOURCE: tail lights, parking lights and

headlights are on their own so they would work, the brake, hazard, again, own circuit,, Back up same thing, now, your tail lights and parking lights are 2 in the same, sometimes the dash lights use the same fuse as those 2 ,, so check your fus box for a listing that says tail lights,, I'd bet thats blown

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