I have a 03 Windstar van with a unknown problem. one day I drove the van the check engine light came on so I started to check things over to find nothing wrong . the next day the light was out . awk. later the light came on again and again nothing wrong. this all started about two wks. after I changed the oil . the van only has alittle over 16000 miles on it. I saw on another web site some one had a problem with their light after an oil change and was tolled to reset the light by holding the button on the dash for the trip odometer. Mine only shows miles, trip miles, and tire pressure. nothing about oil change intervals. Anybody have any ideas on what this might be ? thanks.

 

No guessing.

Get your codes pulled and the issue at hand properly diagnosed and go from there. That will make the issue known.

 

yeah get the codes pulled. Many parts shops will read codes for free. I think AAMCO trannies will also read them for free. Most dealers charge something like $50 which can be applied towards repairs.

You might also buy an OBD II code reader. Some are as simple as a flasher costing something like $30. Others will give you an actual code and cost upwards of $50. Some incredible machines like a SUN tester cost well over $1000 but will tell you all sorts of good stuff.

I have a NOVA Omni which seems to work pretty well and cost me under $100. But there are some codes that it doesn't read. Either that or Ford uses some non standard codes or doesn't feed them out. I had a check engine light on my lincoln a few weeks back but got no codes. Turned out the dealer had not properly replaced a gastank gasket and I had pressure leak which I don't think is under the standard codes.

Usually when a light comes on and goes off, it means some sensor or system is on the ragged edge and will fail eventually.

With your low miles you may still be under warranty. Also not many parts will fail this early. It may be something as simple as you not tightening the gas cap or a loose emissions hose.

Get the codes read. That will at least localize where the problem may be so you can fix it yourself if you are so inclined.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

I would forse the computer to "recycle" (done with KOEO and then disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few seconds )and see if the light comes back on, If there is a malfuntion the data will be stored in the computer. LOVE THAT OBD11.

 

thefarelaneman What do you mean ( done with KOEO what is KOEO ) ?

 

The check engine light and the maintenance light are two different things. Most makes and models that have maintenance lights can be reset by holding in the reset button for the trip odometer.

However if it is a YELLOW "Check Engine" light, sometimes in the shape of an generic looking motor, then you need to have it scanned because it is detecting a malfunction.

Let us know what codes are stored, and we'll try to help.