Expedition Help Check Engine Light
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New User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4
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From: Morgan Hill Santa Clara
Expedition Help Check Engine Light
I just changed my oil on a 1997 Ford Expedition. I have been changing Oil in my cars since I was 16 and now I 46. After Changing my Oil & Filter and then driving 3 block the Check Engine Light went on and stayed on. Has Any one else experienced this. Or am I a victum of unlucky timing? Could I have hit ot touch a switch/wire while I was changing my oil?? or does some switch need to be reset once you oil has been changed??
Any comments ot help would be greatly appreciated.
Any comments ot help would be greatly appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida, USA
Expedition Help Check Engine Light
Changing the oil and filter alone will not cause the computer to complain and set the light. Something else is going but you haven't given enough information to be sure. What else did you do when you were under the hood? Is the engine running and sounding normal? Did you check for leaks after you put in the new oil?
You can find out what the computer is complaining about by buying a computer code monitor and connecting it to the system. The connector for the '97 in under the bottom edge of the driver side dash just about below the steering column. The code reader can be purchased at most auto parts stores for less than what the dealer will charge for a diagnostic test. Connect the reader according to the directions and a list of codes will be displayed. When you get the list post it here and we should be able to sort out the problems.
The amber check engine light is usually illuminated by the computer when an important event occurs which needs to be handled sometime in the near future, but is usually not a critical one. Mileage, performance or emissions may be effected but no damage will occur if corrected soon. Critical items are usually colored red and should be corrected immediately.
You can find out what the computer is complaining about by buying a computer code monitor and connecting it to the system. The connector for the '97 in under the bottom edge of the driver side dash just about below the steering column. The code reader can be purchased at most auto parts stores for less than what the dealer will charge for a diagnostic test. Connect the reader according to the directions and a list of codes will be displayed. When you get the list post it here and we should be able to sort out the problems.
The amber check engine light is usually illuminated by the computer when an important event occurs which needs to be handled sometime in the near future, but is usually not a critical one. Mileage, performance or emissions may be effected but no damage will occur if corrected soon. Critical items are usually colored red and should be corrected immediately.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida, USA
Expedition Help Check Engine Light
Didn't the scanner you used to retrieve the codes have a manual with the code listing?
Sounds like you have a sticking (or stuck) EGR valve or sensor.
P0401 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected
P0402 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Excessive Detected
Check the vacuum line and electrical connector to the sensor. That's the easy part. For the valve it is best to remove it and be sure that it is clean. While it's off ensure that the opening into the plenum is clear and unobstructed by carbon buildup. I use a vacuum at the throttle body while doing this so big chunks do not work their way toward the cylinders. Don't need those bits finding a home in you engine. Bad news it that it is usually difficult to remove. Hope it is just the sensor....
Clear the codes and drive. If the same codes register, replace the EGR and sensor.
Sounds like you have a sticking (or stuck) EGR valve or sensor.
P0401 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected
P0402 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Excessive Detected
Check the vacuum line and electrical connector to the sensor. That's the easy part. For the valve it is best to remove it and be sure that it is clean. While it's off ensure that the opening into the plenum is clear and unobstructed by carbon buildup. I use a vacuum at the throttle body while doing this so big chunks do not work their way toward the cylinders. Don't need those bits finding a home in you engine. Bad news it that it is usually difficult to remove. Hope it is just the sensor....
Clear the codes and drive. If the same codes register, replace the EGR and sensor.
