Reset Dash Warning Lights
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Joined: Sep 1999
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Reset Dash Warning Lights
99 F250 SD, 5.4, EC
Recently my "Check Engine Soon" light came on (39K). I change the oil and filters regularly. I figure its a filter somewhere but I thought I changed them all. Does anyone know how I can reset the dash warning lights without going to the dealership. If I have to take it in, I will - I just wanted to see if I could reset it first to see if I had already corrected the problem. Thanks.
Recently my "Check Engine Soon" light came on (39K). I change the oil and filters regularly. I figure its a filter somewhere but I thought I changed them all. Does anyone know how I can reset the dash warning lights without going to the dealership. If I have to take it in, I will - I just wanted to see if I could reset it first to see if I had already corrected the problem. Thanks.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 20
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From: Madison Heights
Reset Dash Warning Lights
There are many many reasons why the Check Engine light might come on. I just picked up my 2002 F350 CC V10 and the dealer made a point of making sure I understood that the gas cap (of all things) had to put on just right or the computer would pick up some sort vaccume (suction) leak around the cap and kick on the Check Engine light. Don't know if the same is true for your year but maybe an idea.
I'm in the process of selling my '96 F150. If I got some bad gas that gave me even the slightest pinging the Check Engine light would come on EVERY TIME! The first time it happened I talked to the dealer and they told me that after 7-10 starts/driving/stops the computer would re-set itself. Worked every time...never had a problem with the engine (anoying though to look at that light...a piece of electrical tape would fix that)
Hopefully your problem is something simple.
Gary S.
I'm in the process of selling my '96 F150. If I got some bad gas that gave me even the slightest pinging the Check Engine light would come on EVERY TIME! The first time it happened I talked to the dealer and they told me that after 7-10 starts/driving/stops the computer would re-set itself. Worked every time...never had a problem with the engine (anoying though to look at that light...a piece of electrical tape would fix that)
Hopefully your problem is something simple.
Gary S.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
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From: Washington State
Reset Dash Warning Lights
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 23-Jan-02 AT 10:50 PM (EST)]>99 F250 SD, 5.4, EC
>
>Recently my "Check Engine Soon" light came on (39K). I
>change the oil and filters regularly. I figure its a filter
>somewhere but I thought I changed them all.
Why would you figure it's a filter? Your light can light for a number of reasons! Bad sensor, bad part that has a sensor, emmission crap including fuel cap, (as stated above.) Too many things to list here. You might just want to find out what code the truck is throwin' off. That's what that light is for! My dealer would only charge $61 but scan it. You're truck's worth more than that to you, isn't it?
>
>Recently my "Check Engine Soon" light came on (39K). I
>change the oil and filters regularly. I figure its a filter
>somewhere but I thought I changed them all.
Why would you figure it's a filter? Your light can light for a number of reasons! Bad sensor, bad part that has a sensor, emmission crap including fuel cap, (as stated above.) Too many things to list here. You might just want to find out what code the truck is throwin' off. That's what that light is for! My dealer would only charge $61 but scan it. You're truck's worth more than that to you, isn't it?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 300
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From: NE Missouri
Reset Dash Warning Lights
Disconnecting the battery for a few minutes will usually re-set the light. Sometimes in the past they were programmed to come on at a set mileage to remind you some sort of routine maintenance was due. Don't know if they still do that. As much as these trucks cost I wouldn't mess around with it,have it checked.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 8
From: OK
Reset Dash Warning Lights
If there is no obviously problem (everything runs & drives OK), I like to reset the codes and see if they come back. Occassionaly, one sensor will temporarily go out of range and trip the MIL. As jeepnford pointed out, you can just disconnect the battery to reset the light. However, if the light DOES come back on, you need to get the truck checked out.
A side note:
I've noticed a lot of people with the "check engine" (MIL) on lately. I think it has something to do with the temperature swings we've been having. ECU sets everything up to run at 70° one day and the next day it's only 20°... or vice-versa. I could see where, for a little bit, this would really make the PCM go crazy. Probably long enough to cause a "sensor out of range" code to be set.
A side note:
I've noticed a lot of people with the "check engine" (MIL) on lately. I think it has something to do with the temperature swings we've been having. ECU sets everything up to run at 70° one day and the next day it's only 20°... or vice-versa. I could see where, for a little bit, this would really make the PCM go crazy. Probably long enough to cause a "sensor out of range" code to be set.
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Reset Dash Warning Lights
Just wanted to let you know......
I disconnected the battery about two weeks ago and left it off for about three minutes. I reconnected it and my dash warning lights were off. I wanted to wait a while so I could say for sure they didnt come back on, but so far they have not. If they come on any time soon I will take her in but so far everythings running fine and the cows keep getting fed.
Thanks for all the advise guys.
I disconnected the battery about two weeks ago and left it off for about three minutes. I reconnected it and my dash warning lights were off. I wanted to wait a while so I could say for sure they didnt come back on, but so far they have not. If they come on any time soon I will take her in but so far everythings running fine and the cows keep getting fed.
Thanks for all the advise guys.
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