check engine light
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: Wichita USA
check engine light
You can only reset the light with a scanner. This does need to have someone read the codes as the light is a warning of a possible emission problem. I was not aware that it had anything to do with oil level. Post a code no. for us and we will try to advise further.
2000 XLT Flare Supercab Sport 5.4-Auto-355LS-Tow pkg-Bedrug-Xtang Tonneau
2000 XLT Flare Supercab Sport 5.4-Auto-355LS-Tow pkg-Bedrug-Xtang Tonneau
New User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
check engine light
I have a 97 XLT that the check engine light has been on for a while. my dad is a mechanic but lives several hours away so i don't get to take it to him very often. he hooked it up to his computer and found the codes saying that both banks were running lean. he cleaned all the air intake stuff and put some injector cleaner in the tank and reset the light. a few days later, after i had left, the light came back on. I've been reading and it looks like a common fix would be to clean or replace the MAF sensor. would this be a good place to start, and if i have to replace it, how much would it cost?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 1
From: Rural Florida Panhandle
check engine light
It's tough, but here's the scoop. With the 95 and newer cars, the diagnostics require an obdII tester. You can buy one at Auto-Zone for $150. Sears and other places also sell them.
Plug it in, turn on the ignition, read the codes, check them out in the manual, then clear them. Unless there is a serious problem, you will be 'check-engine' free for a while.
I didn't want to spend the $150 either, but decided it was better than giving it to a service dept for a one-time shot of something that is sure to return.
I also didn't want to have to pay $85 to get my second key for my 98 explorer, but, hey that's progress (I guess)!
Winford
Plug it in, turn on the ignition, read the codes, check them out in the manual, then clear them. Unless there is a serious problem, you will be 'check-engine' free for a while.
I didn't want to spend the $150 either, but decided it was better than giving it to a service dept for a one-time shot of something that is sure to return.
I also didn't want to have to pay $85 to get my second key for my 98 explorer, but, hey that's progress (I guess)!
Winford
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
check engine light
I agree with winfordr. If your Explorer is 95 or older then the scanner is less then $30 dollars which is for the EEC-IV computers. For the 96 and up explorers it is OBDII or EEC-V and the scanners are $150 and up. The $150 unit lets you see codes and clear them but that's about it. I would invest in one of these scanners if you plan on keeping your truck for along time. I have a 95 so I bought the scanner and have fixed and EGR sensor problem myself. Most places I called said they would charge $70 dollars and up just to scan for codes and tell me what they found not fix just to tell me what the computer said. Pretty simple to do also. Better to know what the computer is complaining about then to just start replacing parts or cleaning parts.
New User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
check engine light
We have a '97 Explorer which encountered the same code; ie. Fuel Cap is not tight. After three diagnostics, I told FORD to find the problem!
The result was a defective Fuel Pressure Sensor which was replaced under Warranty and we've not had the problem again!
When the codes say "Loose Fuel Cap" request they check the Fuel Pressure Sensor!
'97 and still truckin!
The result was a defective Fuel Pressure Sensor which was replaced under Warranty and we've not had the problem again!
When the codes say "Loose Fuel Cap" request they check the Fuel Pressure Sensor!
'97 and still truckin!
New User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
check engine light
Autozone parts store here in Va offer free diagnostic code reading they do most models over 95. For my 97 ford explorer they used a ODB II scanner read the codes gave me my part replaced it done 20 minutes flat. No guess work and no headache on which part to rpl next. just one time with the right part. Codes are there just need them read to you 
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 1
From: Rural Florida Panhandle
check engine light
You get a little book with the scanner that should have the codes documented. If not, there are lots of places on line that you can get the info you need.
I would never spend $1 on any part if I was getting the check-engine light until I scanned or had someone scan the codes. This goes for both the obdII and eec-iv setups. Also it is not necessary to disconnect the battery to clear the error codes. With obdII the scanner will clear them. With eec-IV, simply pull the jumper wire while the codes are flashing.
Winford
I would never spend $1 on any part if I was getting the check-engine light until I scanned or had someone scan the codes. This goes for both the obdII and eec-iv setups. Also it is not necessary to disconnect the battery to clear the error codes. With obdII the scanner will clear them. With eec-IV, simply pull the jumper wire while the codes are flashing.
Winford
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