check engine light....easy fix?
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 4
check engine light....easy fix?
2017 F250 6.2L gas
52k+ miles
So the engine light (shaped like the engine) lit up yesterday. check manual and of course it says take it to the dealer.
Is there an easy fix to this? Of course if it is serious I'll take it in.
Thanks
52k+ miles
So the engine light (shaped like the engine) lit up yesterday. check manual and of course it says take it to the dealer.
Is there an easy fix to this? Of course if it is serious I'll take it in.
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 516
It could be one of a thousand things. The "Check Engine" light just means that something that affects the engine emissions is out of specification. It could be a loose gas cap, a misfire, or something like a failed mass airflow sensor. If you do some research on OBD II codes, you will see a very long list of codes. And without hooking up a scan tool, you will not know which of those codes turned on the light.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 4
Thanks to all who offered constructive answers. I do not have a scan tool so that is the start of not having an answer.
To the others with just flippant responses....just don't type. Everyone will be better for it.
To the others with just flippant responses....just don't type. Everyone will be better for it.
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 54
Likes: 36
Many auto parts stores will pull codes for free if you don't have a scan tool
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2018
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To the OP, I would take Coulter's advice and get the computer scanned and write down the code(s). Let the forum know as a follow up on this post what the codes are. You might get lucky. You never know.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: GA
It could be something serious or simple but the CEL came on for a reason.
Just stroll down to your local auto parts store and let them scan it for free or purchase a scanner so you can read the codes yourself and go from there.
.
Just stroll down to your local auto parts store and let them scan it for free or purchase a scanner so you can read the codes yourself and go from there.
.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2018
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The only time I clear a code is after I've fixed the issue that set the code.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 594
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From: fly-over country
Don't clear a code. It doesn't fix any problem and you not only remove the code, but you also destroy the freeze frame data. The freeze frame data is a lock of all of the sensor data at the moment the computer turned on the MIL. A technician needs to see that data in order to assist in a diagnosis. If the fault that turned on the MIL -a transient condition you reference- no longer exists, like maybe a cylinder misfire and the plug clears up, the computer will turn off the MIL after a couple drive cycles. The code will be moved to history and the freeze frame data will still exist. The benefit here is that the computer can still be scanned, the tech can see the code that set the MIL and see the freeze frame data.
The only time I clear a code is after I've fixed the issue that set the code.
The only time I clear a code is after I've fixed the issue that set the code.
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