Check Engine Light
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New User
Joined: Jun 2003
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Check Engine Light
I have a 1997 Explorer with a V8 engine. On Saturday the check engine light came on and hasn't gone off since. The car was running fine, and the engine hadn't been knocking or making any weird noises. I changed the oil recently and the oil level is full. From doing some research on this forum I know I will need to purchase a code reader to pull the codes which will help me troubleshoot the problem. But until I do so the question I have is this, I noticed that my power steering fluid was less than half full, so I topped it off. This morning when I went to move my car so I could take my wifes car, (not driving mine until I resolve the cel problem) it was really hard to steer. Is it possible that I could just have a problem with the power steering pump which caused the CEL to come on? I'd like to have some idea of what the problem is before I take it for diagnostics and repair by a shop. Should I worry about compounding whatever problem I have by continuing to drive it until I can put it in the shop. (Ideally sometime after Christmas). Thanks for any help you can provide.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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If you wish to buy a code reader that's fine. But AutoZone can pull those codes free of charge. I have a 98 Merc Mountaineer. CE lights's been on for the last 2 years. Engine runs fine. Just got all new spark plugs and wires. All new injectors. New belts...the works.......Just challenged a Mustang 5.0 the other day. His jaw dropped when I passed him with one hand on the wheel...LOL Seriously. I just joined this board a few weeks ago. The key here is to read...read and read. Go purchase a manuel spicifically for your truck. I have Chilton's. You'd surprised what you can fix your self. In my case, 145k miles says that something things need to be replace just from regular wear.
M40
M40
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Joined: Dec 2000
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The power steering should have nothing to with setting the CEL. The CEL is emissions related and does not indicate problems with brakes, power steering, etc. Recommend you follow M40s suggestion and take it to AutoZone or another large auto parts store for a free read of the codes. Don't let them sell you any parts until you do some research (here is a good place) to determine what the code(s) are really saying. They are in the parts selling business so they'll want you to start throwing parts at the problem which may or may fix your problem.
Good luck,
Mason
Good luck,
Mason
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Thanks for the suggestions, I'm going by Autozone today after work and have them pull the codes for me. This forum is a great source of info for people like myselft. I got my info on my keyless entry system here when I first bought the car back in July of this year. I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes. Thanks.
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