Service Engine Soon Light
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, CA
Service Engine Soon Light
The Service Engine Soon light has been on for a couple of weeks now. I change my own oil/filter(s) and do most maintance.
Is there any way to get the light to go off without taking it to a dealership?
'99 F-250 light duty, 4X4, super cab, 5.4ltr
Is there any way to get the light to go off without taking it to a dealership?
'99 F-250 light duty, 4X4, super cab, 5.4ltr
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Service Engine Soon Light
Take it to Advance Auto, Auto Zone, or O'Rielly's...they'll all read the codes for free. It will give you a good indication of what caused the "CEL" and you'll find this forum very helpful with regard to how to correct it.
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Service Engine Soon Light
I am having the same problem. I change my own oil, but I was told if the engine is not reset somehow, this light comes on after a certain mileage between resetting. If you find out anyhting I would appreciate the info, and I will do the same- Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Area
Service Engine Soon Light
While some vehicles do indicate maintenance services, I believe the Ford "Service Engine Soon" light only comes on if some sort of trouble is indicated. You can reset it by disconnecting the battery completely for a few minutes, but it will probably just come back on though you might lose a trouble code that you would later wish you had. Your truck may also run poorly for a while afterward just because the computer has to relearn some of its parameters.
You should get it read as soon as possible. Especially since you can get it free--they can't make you buy the repair-- and then you can make a better decision on what to do (if anything). Incidentally, in most places, you will automatically fail the emission test if that light is lit, or fails to light and then go off upon start up.
You should get it read as soon as possible. Especially since you can get it free--they can't make you buy the repair-- and then you can make a better decision on what to do (if anything). Incidentally, in most places, you will automatically fail the emission test if that light is lit, or fails to light and then go off upon start up.
Last edited by MrBSS; Aug 19, 2003 at 11:44 AM.
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I just had this problem with my 99 F250. Twice now in fact.
I took it to dealer to find the trouble and asked the same as above poster. Does this mean service is due or is it a problem. he said it indicates problems, they stopped using the light a few years back to indicate service intervals. My trouble first time was EGR valve and ports in intake were fouled with oil and they had to be cleaned. Less than a week later the light is back on and tomorrow I go back for a hookup to computer to see what coded this time.
Mike
I took it to dealer to find the trouble and asked the same as above poster. Does this mean service is due or is it a problem. he said it indicates problems, they stopped using the light a few years back to indicate service intervals. My trouble first time was EGR valve and ports in intake were fouled with oil and they had to be cleaned. Less than a week later the light is back on and tomorrow I go back for a hookup to computer to see what coded this time.
Mike
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: "Garden State"
The dealer charges over $100 just to read the codes. I went to Walmart and purchased an INNOVA code reader for less than a hundred bucks. This way when I go to a mechanic or dealer at least I know what's wrong and what's BS. It's paid for itself already.
Whimsey
Whimsey
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
well, I went and they now had a different code stored. It pointed to EGR valve. Replaced it and have not, so far, had any problems with it.
I agree that the cost to just hook up and read codes is abusive, and will probably do the same, go buy myself one.
Mike
I agree that the cost to just hook up and read codes is abusive, and will probably do the same, go buy myself one.
Mike
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: North Richland Hills, TX
Even if you go buy a code reader, the mechanic or dealer is still going to diagnose your vehicle. Who would you get mad at if you took your truck in and said it was code PXXXX now change this part, and it doesn't fix it.
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
not what I would do in any case. I would at least know when they say it's code yyyy and I know the reader came back with xxxx. That way I could decide to continue with that dealer or move on to another. Also, I repair a lot of my own troubles and this would help in that area as well.
Mike
Mike
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I hope not. I just bought this truck and was hoping for a decent time with it. They already tore off the intake and cleaned all the ports and installed new gaskets. Now the valve. What else would trigger a code that specifies the EGR valve?
Mike
Mike
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 12
From: SE Texas
Originally Posted by exploderfan
I hope not. I just bought this truck and was hoping for a decent time with it. They already tore off the intake and cleaned all the ports and installed new gaskets. Now the valve. What else would trigger a code that specifies the EGR valve?
Mike
Mike
JL
New User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
CHT sensor
My "service engine soon" warning light came on today and Auto Zone read the codes to indicate a failed CHT sensor. Coolant was low but temp gauge has never read hot. Should I try to replace it by removing the alternator or take it to the Ford shop? 2000 F250, 5.4. What might they charge?