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Code reader for engine light on

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Old Nov 22, 2010 | 11:34 AM
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Code reader for engine light on

My engine light comes on after towing my trailer for about 2 to 3 hours. All gauges are fine. If I reset it by disconnecting and just driving around it never comes on. Where is the easiest place to get a code reader or have it read for free. I like to fix things my self. I live in Torrance, Ca. Thanks
 
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Old Nov 22, 2010 | 11:56 AM
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You can go to Schuck's O'reilly, or NAPA or any good auto parts store and they will read it for you free, just make sure you go in with the engine light on so there is a code to read. To save some time and fuel, use the phone and call first.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2010 | 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by airpilikia
My engine light comes on after towing my trailer for about 2 to 3 hours. All gauges are fine. If I reset it by disconnecting and just driving around it never comes on. Where is the easiest place to get a code reader or have it read for free. I like to fix things my self. I live in Torrance, Ca. Thanks

The biggest problem is that most of the free code reading places(autozone etc) don't have the code readers that really get into the diesel computers.

The code readers that you can buy, you have to worry about if they are CAN enabled etc.

There is one that I would recommend that would work of "your" laptop, but not knowing budget concerns it may or may not be feasible for you.

One final thing, if you are saying that your stock cluster gauges are reading normal, that really doesn't mean much of anything, because by the time that they would show something being wrong, it would be too late in most cases.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2010 | 12:11 PM
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Been driving it for a few thousand miles like this. I will make some calls. Can you tell me the laptop reader company and is it complicated?
 
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Old Nov 22, 2010 | 02:18 PM
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I bought a code reader. Code is P0299 under boost condition.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2010 | 02:29 PM
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A P0299 Turbo Underboost code can set by numerous causes, namely a leak on the intake side between the turbo, charge air cooler and intake, a biased or improperly functioning EBP sensor, a leak on the exhaust side between the exhaust manifold and turbo up-pipe to the turbo, a restricted exhaust or restricted (plugged up) intake and a stuck VGT unison ring. Now your job is to pinpoint which of the above is causing the code to set.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2010 | 03:07 PM
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Thanks for the info. I will start doing a little research and find the problem. The truck runs great so I don't think it is the turbo.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 10:25 AM
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The code came back on. Can anyone tell me if this is covered under the warranty> I just have the 100,000 mi standard Ford warranty. Thanks
 
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 10:49 AM
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Did you look for leaks? Did you check your EBP connection and check the tube for plugging? Is your intake stock?

When did you buy your truck - the warranty is 5 yrs from "in service" date (as well as the 100k miles).
 
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 11:21 AM
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No I have not looked for leaks yet. I bought it in Dec 2005 and it has 63,000 on it. What is the EBP connection and check the tube for plugging? Thanks
 
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 01:52 PM
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Originally Posted by airpilikia
Thanks for the info. I will start doing a little research and find the problem. The truck runs great so I don't think it is the turbo.
Mine was running great with no symptoms and they had to replace the turbo.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 07:47 PM
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Took it in and the dealer decarboned the turbo an replaced the VGT unison ring. Was towing again last weekend and the check engine light came on the same way it did before. After about 2 hours of towing. Took it back to the dealer because nothing changed in the way the light came on. Can it be the fuel filters?
 
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by airpilikia
Took it in and the dealer decarboned the turbo an replaced the VGT unison ring. Was towing again last weekend and the check engine light came on the same way it did before. After about 2 hours of towing. Took it back to the dealer because nothing changed in the way the light came on. Can it be the fuel filters?
What is the "Check Engine" light on for, this time around? Is there a different DTC setting or the same P0299 that set prior to the unison ring replacement?
 
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Old Jan 5, 2011 | 03:33 PM
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When basic code readers that read minimum diesel codes cost $20.

What is the excuse for not having one in every car?
 
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Old Jan 6, 2011 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by m-chan68
What is the "Check Engine" light on for, this time around? Is there a different DTC setting or the same P0299 that set prior to the unison ring replacement?
The same code reading P0299. They did some more tests and gave me back the truck. I will change the fuel filters and see if it does it again. Thanks
 
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