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New User
Joined: Apr 2003
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Help!
Ok whats the deal with this -- My 1999 Explorer has been running like a dream -- but suddenly every time I get gas the "Check Engine" light comes on --
The book recommeded dry gas and that seemed to solve the problem -- till my next fill up (2 different stations)
Is a sensor going bad or do I just have bad luck?
The book recommeded dry gas and that seemed to solve the problem -- till my next fill up (2 different stations)
Is a sensor going bad or do I just have bad luck?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
Help!
Welcome to FTE 
Does the light only come on when you get gas? Does it stay on all the time, or go off? There are a few different causes, but without knowing the error code that comes up, eveyone would just be guessing and checking.
If you can, go by your local Auto Zone (they will do it for free - the dealership will charge you $55.00) and have them read the codes, then post them here, we can help diagnose the problem..
Let us know!!!
Does the light only come on when you get gas? Does it stay on all the time, or go off? There are a few different causes, but without knowing the error code that comes up, eveyone would just be guessing and checking.
If you can, go by your local Auto Zone (they will do it for free - the dealership will charge you $55.00) and have them read the codes, then post them here, we can help diagnose the problem..
Let us know!!!
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Help!
It just started last week after a fill up -- when I went to get dry gas to put in it (as my manual suggested) it shut off --(not immediately, but soon after) (stays on too)
Then I filled the tank again yesterday and on the way home it came on again--
The guy at Auto Zone told me the dry gas wouldnt help that it was most likely an O2 sensor-- but then why did the light go off after running dry gas in it?
I will probably take it there -- and see what codes come up -- if it is a O2 sensor are they expensive to replace?
Thanks for your help
this has been a great car otherwise
Then I filled the tank again yesterday and on the way home it came on again--
The guy at Auto Zone told me the dry gas wouldnt help that it was most likely an O2 sensor-- but then why did the light go off after running dry gas in it?
I will probably take it there -- and see what codes come up -- if it is a O2 sensor are they expensive to replace?
Thanks for your help
this has been a great car otherwise
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
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O2 sensors usually run about $40-$50 a piece. I don't think it would be them, especially if the CEL is coming on, then going back off. Usually with the O2's, the CEL will not come on/off - it will just stay on...
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
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Like CobraXP said, we're just guessing at this point without having a diagnostic code, BUT: if it only does this when you fill up, maybe the problem is in the gas cap. If the cap isn't on tight, that will trigger the check-engine light. Assuming that you are tightening it enough, maybe the cap is defective. Replacing the cap would certainly be the cheapest fix. If that doesn't cure the problem, well, at least you'll have a spare gas cap.
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I Checked the cap -- seems fine -- tried some dry gas again -- we'll see what happens if it goes off again --
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: missouri
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like they say get the codes make auto zone hook it up to the computer don't let them tell you what they think it is get the code!!! okay dumb question what the heck is dry gas? or do you mean something like a bottle of heat ???
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
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Help!
Katie, I too think it's cap related. If the cap dosen't seal, you'll get a CEL everytime. Try rubbing a small amount of grease on the cap O-ring; also on the neoprene gasket that seals to the filler neck.
Welcome to FTE!
Welcome to FTE!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
Help!
Katie, the gaas cap can very well be the problem. If you live in a state that has emission testing, they should be able to test the gas cap itself to see if it is solid and holding pressure. I haven't seen many other places than that to get a test deon on a gas cap...