Check Engine Light
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New User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Check Engine Light
I have a 96 Explorer, 5.0L V8, with a 'check engine' light that has come on again. I was having this problem about two months ago where it would come on and stay on. Several of you were very helpful at that time and advised me to do a number of things in order to diagnose and correct the problem. I wound up replacing the spark plugs and wires (after Auto Zone diagnosed it and found that my number 3 cylinder was misfiring), changed the oil and filter, replaced the PCV valve and fuel filter, and after all that, the 'check engine' light went off (after I disconnected the battery to reset it) and stayed off for the past two months. Well, it just came on again and is staying on. Engine is idling rough and I can't imagine what the problem would be now. FYI, the weather has turned very cold over the past few days. Last week we were in the 50's, low 40's, now high's are 22-23 and lows below 10 degrees. Could temperature have anything to do with it? After all I've done I thought I had it taken care of. Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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131k....OK, I was talking about the catalytic converter and the EGR...with that many miles, it sounds like it may be about time to have it replaced. Take it to your Ford dealer and have them check it out. Also, check your air filter and see if it is dirty, very simple to replace.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
When Autozone looked at it what they did was to pull the trouble codes. Theres a connector under driver side dash, they hook up a scanner there.
Unfortunately there are a lot of things that it might be. One posibility is a bad IAC (Idle air control valve) If the idle smooths out with a light touch on the throttle, it might be a bad IAC. Or as mustangsvt said, it might be the EGR valve hanging open. Good luck with it
Unfortunately there are a lot of things that it might be. One posibility is a bad IAC (Idle air control valve) If the idle smooths out with a light touch on the throttle, it might be a bad IAC. Or as mustangsvt said, it might be the EGR valve hanging open. Good luck with it
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: South Central In.
Ok, the ck engine lamp is warning lamp from the computer telling you it see's a reading from 1 or more of the 40 or so sensors that are part of the fuel injection/emmisions system. You need to have the code read and then pinpointed to determine the problem.
Beware, autozone will give you the code, but have no way of pinpointing the problem. Remember, they are there to sell parts.
Ex: code p0141 is a dpfe (egr) code. They will want you to buy an egr valve and/or sensor. It may be just a loose vac hose somewhere or carbon buildup in the system causing the code.
Let me know if I can help..
Beware, autozone will give you the code, but have no way of pinpointing the problem. Remember, they are there to sell parts.
Ex: code p0141 is a dpfe (egr) code. They will want you to buy an egr valve and/or sensor. It may be just a loose vac hose somewhere or carbon buildup in the system causing the code.
Let me know if I can help..
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Thanks for the feedback Andy, and the rest of you as well. I will take the Expy to AZ tomorrow and "have the codes pulled", then see what happens. One important aspect of my check engine light problem that I forgot to mention is the smell that is now coming from my car. After I came home from work today, and traveling home was when the check engine light came on, I parked in the garage, got out and noticed an odd smell coming from the car. I'm sure that has something to do with it.
So, at this point it sounds like the best thing to do is go to AZ and have the codes pulled then take it from there? Let me know.
So, at this point it sounds like the best thing to do is go to AZ and have the codes pulled then take it from there? Let me know.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
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OK, how about this guys. Check engine light is on. Temperature gauge is not working properly. Engine's idling rough. Found what looks to be antifeeze on garage floor, not a lot, but some, and can smell an antifreeze smell when I turn off the car in the garage. Coolant reservoir was bone dry. Filled up radiator with coolant and topped off reservoir. I may have a coolant leak I guess. So, here's the question. Would a coolant leak causing the car to be low on coolant cause the rough idle and the check engine light to come on?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
If the leak is'nt obvious, try squeezing the upper radiator hose with both hands. Then feel the underside of the water pump shaft/take a look at the radiator, especially along the seams, is there any freesh or dried up coolant? check for loose hose clamps, feel the underside of all hoses and while checking the lower hose, take a look at the engine for any signs of a leak (freeze plugs)
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: South Central In.
Also these engines were notorious for headgasket leaks.... The ck engine lamp could be on due to a coolant temp sensor reporting to hot or cold, rough idle due to soolant in cyl. Ck for headgasket damage by pulling 1 spark plug at a time and lloking for a green tint on plug tip....
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
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OK, was at Auto Zone today and had them do there diagnostic on my Expy. Turns out cylinder 6 is misfiring, code 0306. Why it is I don't know. Changed out spark plugs and wires two months ago and engine was running smooth. The check engine light came on suddenly and the engine ran rough just as suddenly beginning yesterday. I checked number 6 wire and it looks fine. Visually inspected spark plug, though I didn't remove it, and it looks fine too. Any ideas?
