The reason that your service engine light turned on is because the car 'threw a code' Something happened which was recorded by the engine ecu and saved for diagnostic purposes.
This could occur from a very wide range of circumstances, some very serious, but most of the time it is generally something minor. The two most frequent reasons that a ford will throw a code is if you accidentally fail to tighten the gas cap past the locking position after filling up, that is enough to trigger a check engine code.
Also in modern vehicles the Engine computer will constantly adjust many variables to compensate for varience in outside enviorment, fuel quality, driving habits, current engine load etc. It often possible that if the weather outside if not near the ecu settings for weather conditions (Heat and humidity will noticibly decrease engine output, while cold dry air will add power), along with particular driving habits at the time, generally aggressive, and also the use of the new Ethanol treated fuel that we must use which makes less power and also causes the ecu to ****** the timing to avoid engine issues, you can easily 'fool' the computer into thinking that there is an engine problem simply because the vehicle is acting outside the expected data settings of the ecu at the time.
The code can also be for a more serious issue such as a failed engine part, or to indicate a incident where the motor had a problem or in the worse case may be damaged. Failed O2 sensors in the exhaust manifold that 'smell' the exhaust and tell the ecu how much unburned fuel, particulates, temp, etc the ehaust is producing are often the cause of engine lights. If that inexpensive part fails or breaks due to damage the Ecu will immediatley throw a code.
Obviously the proper thing to do is not drive the vehicle until you are able to determine the cause and reason for the light.
Luckily that is extremely easy to do. Simply take your truck to any local pep boys, autozone, or the like and just ask them to 'pull the code'. this is a service that is provided free of charge. what they will do is plug in whats called an OBD scanner (on board diagnostics) to a port under teh steering wheel and collect the error code from the ECU. They will be able to advice you as to exaclty what the code means, whether it requires andy serivce or repair or not, and also be able to shut off the light for you.
Here is a list of all the possible codes for your vehicle in case your curious:
http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/ford/ I’m happy to assist further over the phone at
https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_cd01d4e4178e5a11
check engine just means you are not meeting emissions. Not a biggie unless it starts flashing. Then you could damage your catalytic converter.
Try disconnecting the battery for 1/2 hour. You will have to rest radio etc and car may run rough for 10 miles or so.
×