Check engine light is frequent
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Northern CA
Check engine light is frequent
2016 F250 6.7 - wondering how many of you have the check engine light come on frequently. I would guess 3 to 5 a year ...not really keeping track, just know it is a pain. Does the light come on when servicing is due. Last time the dealer said it was a software upgrade??? how did the computer know there was an upgrade due...anyway frustrating.
Thanks
Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
I know for the 2011 the CEL does not illuminate for service, those messages will be displayed on the instrument cluster screen. I am confident that is the same up to the 2016 years. A CEL means there is one or more DTCs present so when it comes on, it's best to scan for those trouble codes.
For the update, it's possible the newer firmware fixed bugs that would cause an error but (A) you have to know what problem was occurring and (B) check the release notes to see if the update has a fix for that issue.
Some techs troubleshoot and determine the update is needed to resolve the issue, some I think just assume it needs a firmware update. The truck modules don't need updates on a schedule. Some trucks may run flawless for years and never get attached to IDS.
Next time you get a CEL, check for codes so you know what the truck is reporting as an issue.
For the update, it's possible the newer firmware fixed bugs that would cause an error but (A) you have to know what problem was occurring and (B) check the release notes to see if the update has a fix for that issue.
Some techs troubleshoot and determine the update is needed to resolve the issue, some I think just assume it needs a firmware update. The truck modules don't need updates on a schedule. Some trucks may run flawless for years and never get attached to IDS.
Next time you get a CEL, check for codes so you know what the truck is reporting as an issue.
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Northern CA
Thanks all for your advice...is there a better way to check codes? Device? Jump terminals ??? Of course dealer sites say checking codes is useless, you got to be a tech to know what is actually going on...
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
Get a code reader from any auto parts store. The cheaper ones for $50-80 will read most codes, but usually not ABS or brand specific codes. The higher end models will read everything. You can also buy an OBDII bluetooth adapter and download an app to scan codes.
It's true that a dealer tech will be able to diagnose more accurately and faster, they can pull data that a cheap code reader won't have. But you can pull the basic codes yourself and Google the solution. You can do it yourself 90% of the time just as well as they can.
It's true that a dealer tech will be able to diagnose more accurately and faster, they can pull data that a cheap code reader won't have. But you can pull the basic codes yourself and Google the solution. You can do it yourself 90% of the time just as well as they can.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 2,499
From: West Michigan
Ok, so its a 2016. Unless you are over on miles, you should be under warranty yet. Time to bring it to a different dealer. Even if the light goes off, there is most likely stored codes that they can scan.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Or for 20.00 get yourself a bluetooth adapter and TorquePro. All my old school handheld scanners sit in the box unused these days. You can do so much from your phone!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 19
From: Archdale,N.C.
Order a Bluetooth obd2 adapter from Amazon and you can get FORscan free with a temporary license, also free.
But to make changes to your truck using FORscan you have to be using a Windows based tablet or laptop.
But to make changes to your truck using FORscan you have to be using a Windows based tablet or laptop.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,338
Likes: 255
From: Livermore Ca.
A code reader us useless. First of all ti doesn't pinpoint the problem. Usually you need to know how to troubleshoot what is going on. A code could mean more than one things wrong and a technician would know what to look for because he has probably seen it before. You could get a code reader than post it here and someone else could pinpoint the problem but if they are wrong than you just wasted your money. If you don't like the dealer you had look at your truck find another one. I have one 5 miles from my house but drive 20 miles to go to one I trust.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 19
From: Archdale,N.C.
A code reader us useless. First of all ti doesn't pinpoint the problem. Usually you need to know how to troubleshoot what is going on. A code could mean more than one things wrong and a technician would know what to look for because he has probably seen it before. You could get a code reader than post it here and someone else could pinpoint the problem but if they are wrong than you just wasted your money. If you don't like the dealer you had look at your truck find another one. I have one 5 miles from my house but drive 20 miles to go to one I trust.
I whole heartedly disagree with you. A good code reader is another necessary tool in the box.
Yes the code has to be deciphered, so you pull the code(s), and you search and narrow it down. This is 2019, Google has a lot of information.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 26
From: BA, OK
It most certainly is not. It might not offer much help depending on the issue, other times it can save you a bunch of time and money by not requiring a visit to the dealer.
Take this gentleman for example: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...32b-codes.html He had two codes, asked here what they could be. I posted the info from the service manual that pointed to a possible issue with the same sensor. This gave him an idea of what to look at. After replacing the sensor, no more CEL.
Take this gentleman for example: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...32b-codes.html He had two codes, asked here what they could be. I posted the info from the service manual that pointed to a possible issue with the same sensor. This gave him an idea of what to look at. After replacing the sensor, no more CEL.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,225
Likes: 4,239
From: Kaysville Utah
I have the EDGE CTS in my trucks. My 2015 truck had 3 codes over it's 100,000 mile life that I owned it.
A turbo overboost that an upgraded software fixed the calibration on
aA bad EGR return
And a Steering wheel position sensor went bad.
So for me. The Check Engine light was about once a year and indicated something that need repair and had nothing to do with Maintenance
The Turbo Overboost shut me down on the side of the hiway, I pulled the codes with the Edge ( or you could use any code scanner of your choice).. I called the dealer while I sat on the side of the hiway, gave him the codes, He told me the problem and said it was safe to clear and keep driving. And to bring the truck in when I got home for the update to the firmware. With out that, I would have been paying for a ery expense tow with a load of horses behind me. I always keep some way to read codes and clear them in the truck.
A turbo overboost that an upgraded software fixed the calibration on
aA bad EGR return
And a Steering wheel position sensor went bad.
So for me. The Check Engine light was about once a year and indicated something that need repair and had nothing to do with Maintenance
The Turbo Overboost shut me down on the side of the hiway, I pulled the codes with the Edge ( or you could use any code scanner of your choice).. I called the dealer while I sat on the side of the hiway, gave him the codes, He told me the problem and said it was safe to clear and keep driving. And to bring the truck in when I got home for the update to the firmware. With out that, I would have been paying for a ery expense tow with a load of horses behind me. I always keep some way to read codes and clear them in the truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
All I read after that was "blah blah blah blah blah"
Buy a code reader. These trucks are a gigantic computer, and unless you want to pay a dealer for EVERYTHING, a code reader is one of the most useful tools in your box. I have 3 ways to pull codes.
Buy a code reader. These trucks are a gigantic computer, and unless you want to pay a dealer for EVERYTHING, a code reader is one of the most useful tools in your box. I have 3 ways to pull codes.