Ever since I bought my truck, my check engine light has been on. I have taken it to the shop several times to get it repaired. It stays off for a few days then will go back on again. It makes no sense and is driving me crazy. There is no engine problem and the gas cap is on tight. What could it be?


1999 ranger 4.0L 4x4

 

The CEL is on because there is a fault and a code has been set. What is that code number that the shop is finding? What is the shop doing when it's in there?

 

The shop is saying it is going on because my gas cap it on improperly. I find that hard to accept because that gas cap goes on as it should every time I close it.

 

Without knowing the code, it's a guessing game. So the question is, what is the code number? Why does the shop thinks it's a gas cap issue? A lot of shops like to say "gas cap" when they see an EVAP code, but it's hardly ever that simple. If you paid the shop for the repair, bring the truck back to them and tell them it didn't work, and that you want to know specifically what the codes are.

 

If you fill the tank up with it running could cause a code.

 

if you get the code your local auto parts store should have a list of code readings for you to find out exactly what it says about it.

 

1999DR4x4 your truck honestly seems to be kind of a beater. If I were you I would sell asap and purchase youself an older model STX

 

I kept getting check engine code PO 171 and PO 174 on my 97 Ranger with 4 liter engine with 87,000 miles on it. I replaced several components, but the thing that stopped it was a new PCV valve. The old one was clean and rattled so that is not enough of a test.

oldpreacher

 

99DR4X4 I know this is gonna sound like a long shot but i have a 98 ranger 4x4 4.0. When i bought my truck new i had it in shop for a total of 32 times in 1 year for same exact thing . Finaly Radford Ford in radford va finally got a technician from another state to come in & just work on my truck nothing else . He tore my truck apart from one end to the other litterally . There is a canister under the bed that had a pinhole in it after 7 days of working on my truck he had fixed the problem. Im thinking that the R&R canister is what it was called . But any way its not a easy task to fix , he had to take the bed off my truck to replace this thing . Im sure if you ask one of the mechanics at the ford place they can tell ya what the thing is called .It redirects gas fumes back to tank

They told me the same thing that i wasnt putting my gas cap on properly & i properly got in his face NOSE TO NOSE & told him im no DUMMY that i know how to put gas in my truck properly & put the cap back on tightly. I had went so far as to file dispute with ford to get another vehicle & this was their last alternative to send this technician in from another state

 

D.Bateman: I know exactly what you are talking about. The local Ford factory rep brings challenge vehicles to one specific mechanic at a local Ford dealer near here. If he can't find it/fix it it can not be fixed and move on to plan B. I have had him work on two of our trucks with success. Luckily he is available by telephone when I get beyond frustration and points me in the right direction.

That said, I would suggest to 99DR4X4 that he check with the Ford factory rep and find out where the local "Genius" is housed. Make friends. There is also a process whereby the EVAP system can be charged with a colored smoke and one can look for the "leak".

Good Luck

Russ

 

Great feedback guys.

EVAP system should be checked thoroughly.