service engine light

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Mar 30, 2004 | 07:33 PM

jclee1014

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service engine light

How do I reset the computer so the light goes off with out taking it in to the dealer? It is a 1997 f-150 with a 4.6. Thanks for any info.

Mar 31, 2004 | 12:09 AM

Racerguy

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From: BC, Canada

To get the light to turn off you can disconnect a battery terminal for 10 minutes.
If the light comes back on you have a problem that you should get checked. You can get it scanned for trouble codes at your dealer or most other decent shops or AutoZone will scan it for free. If you get it scanned, write down the code number and not just the description and someone here will be able to help you with it.

Mar 31, 2004 | 08:21 AM

frazier23727

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: North Chicago

yeah just pull the battery cables for a while. Or I've also pulled all the fuses that feeds the computer. But the easiest thing to do is the battery cables

Mar 31, 2004 | 09:40 AM

FourthFordTruck

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From: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Racerguy is correct of course, or you could look up the code yourself
in tech articles. I printed them out and keep them with my other truck repair lit.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/2004/29.php

Mar 31, 2004 | 10:12 AM

jclee1014

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Thanks guys!

I had taken my 97 f-150 into ford and they hooked it up and come up with the mass air sensor was bad. They wanted 188.00 for the part and 150 for labor. 150.00 for 10 minutes!!!! Anyway, paid the 72.00 for them to tell me what was wrong and bought the part at NAPA but didn't now how to get the light off. Unhooked the battery and then changed the mass air, hooked the battery back up and presto! No check engine light! Thanks again guys.

Mar 31, 2004 | 10:19 AM

FourthFordTruck

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From: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Ow. I'd let Autozone do check your codes from now on. I spent $2.99
on Brakekleen and cleaned my MAS with about .40 cents worth.
Find the code, come to the forum, and fix it yourself
if it's possible. If it were me, I'd clean your old MAS filaments,
reinstall it, and see if the code comes back on. If it doesn't,
get your money back on the part. Do a search and find numerous threads on this topic. My .02.

Mar 31, 2004 | 10:22 AM

shorebird

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Long Beach, Ms.

Before going to the dealer for a code reading check out the local parts dealers to see if they will read the codes for free. I know that Advance Auto Parts will do the reading without cost. Also a code reader for your vehicle is not much more than what you paid for just one visit to the dealer.