Check Engine light
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Ellicott City USA
Check Engine light
I have a 98 Explorer XLT SOHC. My check engine light has recently come on. For a week and a 1\2 now. It comes on as soon as the car starts. I tried the gas cap trick and it did nothing. I tried using a higher grade fuel and fuel system cleaner nothing. I have a Haynes repair manual and tested the MAF using a Multitester and it seeded to be fine. But I am unsure if there test suggestions always work. The car has absolutely no symptoms that I can detect. Runs smooth, no knocking or pinging, or any other problems. So what in the world can be causing this? I have looked on the forum and I really didn't see any other people having the light come on as soon as the car started.
Thanks Michael
Thanks Michael
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
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From: UT
Check Engine light
In my opinion you need to get someone to pull the codes from the computer. The check engine light (CEL) comes on when the computer sees something it doesn't like. The trouble code will tell you what problem the computer is seeing and in what system. Until we know that information, all that can be said for certain is that there is a problem in one of the many systems that the computer monitors/controls.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Ellicott City USA
Check Engine light
OK what about this. I checked the "IAC" with an OHM tester, resistance should be between 6 and 13, but there is no resistance at all it is a "closed" circuit. So my question is, if this is the problem and I replace it will my pcm reset it self after three cycles, or do I have to go and have it reset. Also Actron makes sensor testors do they really worrk?
thanks Michael
thanks Michael
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Check Engine light
Once the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) "Check Engine" goes on and stays on (even when right when you start the engine), it means that a problem has been recorded and saved, and you cannot clear the light even if you fix the problem without using an appropriate code reading/clearing device, or disconnect the battery.
On my '96 explorer, turned out that the upstream Oxygen (O2) sensors were old and needed replacing (codes P0133 and P0153). I bet this is the most common cause of the check engine light coming on for explorers. The engine ran fine with the old sensors, but it will run a bit rich and the emissions will be a bit high.
If you have 60000 miles on the sensors, replace them both (it is a bitch, but worth it).
On my '96 explorer, turned out that the upstream Oxygen (O2) sensors were old and needed replacing (codes P0133 and P0153). I bet this is the most common cause of the check engine light coming on for explorers. The engine ran fine with the old sensors, but it will run a bit rich and the emissions will be a bit high.
If you have 60000 miles on the sensors, replace them both (it is a bitch, but worth it).
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Kelseyville, CA
Check Engine light
On his SOHC he has 4 O2 sensors. At $60 apiece, I would rather get the codes read and repair the faulty part rather than possibly spend $240 unneccessarily. My '97 SOHC has 90K miles on my O2 sensors and so far they haven't given me a reason to replace them. The only time my Check Engine light came on was when my lower intake manifold o-rings needed replaced. Ford has extended the warranty on them to 6 years 72K miles on the '97-'00 SOHC Explorers. Since Autozone will loan you the scan tool to read your codes for free, I would pull the codes and go from there before I spent any money. If the codes pulled are either a P0171 or P0174 then there is a very good chance that the problem is leaking lower intake manifold o-rings which would be replaced by Ford at no charge as long as he has less than 72K miles. Definately don't spend $240 on O2 sensors when it may not fix anything.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 131
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From: Mountain Home USA
Check Engine light
Some of the newer cars and trucks are also tracking you mileage, if you are the only owner and this is the first time it has done this. Then I would be sure to get the computer scans. Otherwise sometimes the computers will trip the light at a predeterminded milegage. 3K-7K. That way you are forced to take your truck in for servicing.
Randy - Just another Ford Lover
Randy - Just another Ford Lover
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Kelseyville, CA
Check Engine light
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 22-Apr-02 AT 12:14 PM (EST)]Ford does not do this on the Explorer. When the Check Engine light comes on, it came on because the computer detected a problem.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Ellicott City USA
Check Engine light
I have been out of town so I have not been able to respond at all. But I have puchased a OBDII code scanner but I have not recieved it yet, so when ever I get it I will tell you what it says. I am thinking it is the O2 sensors though.
Thanks Michael
Thanks Michael
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Ellicott City USA
Check Engine light
I have gotten the code it is PO455. It says, "Evaporative Emmission Control Sytem Leak Detected (gross leak)" Now what in the world does does that mean?
Thanks Michael
Thanks Michael
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 580
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From: Kelseyville, CA
Check Engine light
Your Explorer has an evaporative charcole canister that it uses for emissions. I believe when it develops a leak, it will set that code. I am not positive, so hopefully someone with more knowledge on how the cansister works will chime in.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Ellicott City USA
Check Engine light
I got it at www.autotestsys.com and it cost me $130. It is very simple to use and code definitions are in the scanner itself. It is called AutoXray 10155 EZ-Link. Hope this helps you.
Michael
Michael
Check Engine light