how to use the scanner? check engine light is on

The scanner is merely a tool that reads data and records that still need to be interpreted and further tested before you can know the cause. Some scanners will provide more info and perform more tests than others. You really need to start by checking out this guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.

It started ratting after I put gas in and it says service engine soon.

scan for codes it may be something has come loose causing this or something more serious. auto parts does for free.

Is this a flex fuel vehicle? What type of gas did you put in? Is the light staying on solid or does it flash?

2003 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

Hi, yesterday I put gas in my truck and I was driving and noticed the fuel guage didn't register the gas. I shut the car off and restarted about 4 time. Still nothing. Finally after about 15 minutes it registered. Then last night when I was driving the check engine light came on. Also sometimes I feel like when I push the gas pedal there's no power going to engine and I have to floor it to get power. Please help. Thank you!

First, the float may be going bad in the fuel tank. It is part of the fuel pump and sends the signal to the gauge.

As far as the engine, if the check engine light is on, there is a trouble code stored in the computer. Take it to a nationally recognized parts store and have them scan the computer for codes. Most will do it for free.

Let me know what they tell you.

I have a 2003 explorer. I recently had an issue where my O/D sensor blinks one of a while. My tranmission seems to be working fine, I am not having trouble shifting into gears but it seems to rev a little higher in between 1/2 before is shifts (only some times) After a couple days the O/D sensor light is now not blinking but my check engine light just came on. And has not stayed on. I brought it down to local Autozone to have it put on Diagnostic test to see if there are any error codes. and for some reason there Reader could not read anything on my truck. The autozone employee mentioned it should work but indicated I may have a fuse out. I checked the manual and of course none are listed as this fuse. Do you happen to know what may be an ailment where the diagnostic could not be done? Also any insight you ahve on the O/D Sensor is appreciated. I have read horror stories about transmissions and some people say celinoid sensors.

Actually, if you are not getting codes, make sure the wiring harness to the PCM is tight and clean. Also, check the power distribution box / relay box under the hood for fuse problems.

As far as the 1 - 2 shift, chances are the shift solenoid is bad. There are two of them. One is for the 1-2 shift and the other for 3-4.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

My overdrive light flashes on and off and the shifting is rough, when i put it into reverse it delays and then clunks into reverse. If I shut engine off and restart the check engine light stops flashing..I have checked the fluids added anti slip..It seems like it gets too hot or not enough fluid is present..?

My O/D off would flash too. I was told it was the solenoid that needed to be replaced. Apparently it needs to be done quickly and I waited too long (one week). The truck (2004 Explorer) started to downshift from second to first really hard on the last day. I took it to the shop and had to have the transmission rebuilt. If you catch it early, maybe you can just replace the solenoid.

I had the service engine soon light come on two days ago, and my over drive light is flickering. Also, the truck has a slow take off and it jerks when the gears change.

Hello,

Lets start by getting the codes this guide will show you how.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.

Hello,

I got the following codes PO733, PO735, and PO745 for a 2002 Ford Explorer

My check engine light came on so I checked my spark plugs and they were bad so I changed them. Now the light won't go off. How do I reset the check engine light.

take it to autozone and have them check the codes and then reset the light. get back to us with the codes.

I have the same problem. I just moved to California and need to register my 2002 Explorer with the DMV, but first I had to take it to a shop for emissions testing. It passed the emissions part of the test, but was failed due to "MIL/Check Engine Light". The Smog Check Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) shows, "OBD Fault Code: P1401 Manufacturer specific code". What does this code mean? Is it something I can remedy myself? I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

yes this is something you can fix yourself, for about 40 dollars. go to auto parts store and ask for a dpfe sensor and install it. it has 2 rubber hoses going to it. very easy and self explanatory. it what senses the egr valve operation

I changed the sensor and the check engine light is still on. Do I need to drive it around for a while for the light to go out? Or do I need to reset it somehow? Thanks.

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L 4x4 with an apparent engine problem. The symptoms are a check engine light, intermittant rough idleing, and diagnostic fault codes of P1151 & P0174. The big clue however is an intermittant, strange but potent odor from the exhaust. I know the problem occurred all at once as I smelled the strong odor immediately. Since the occurence happened the odor is come and go. From research, I gather the codes are from the oxygen sensor on the 2nd bank prior to the cat converter, and that I should check the EGR, a potential vacuum leak, and the air flow sensor. All seems to be okay, but I'm wondering if these are all symptoms of a more serious issue. I'm somewhat dobtful an odor like this could be caused by a improper gasoline mixture. Can you help? Thanks in advance for the helpful info!

SportTracGuy

Hi:
Is the smell that of sulfer / rotten eggs?

Regarding the question of type of smell, yes, the odor does have a sulfur(ous) quality. Doesn't appear to be burning engine coolant. No white smoke, water vapor or dripping from the tail pipe, and no loss of engine coolant. During the first occurrence of the problem, the odor was very strong, but no engine light. Now there is just a slight odor with the constant engine light. Sorry for the late response... been out of town. Thanks for the help.

Sporttracguy

I need you to check the computer for codes. Most parts stores will do it for free. It sounds like the catalytic converter may be plugging. If I had to guess, I think you will find you have a bad O2 sensor that is causing the engine to run rich. That is what most likely causing the light to come on.

Have the computer scanned and let me know what you find.

Joe

After replacing the PCV valve, will the check engine light reset itself?

Hello, I'm Danny.

No,It will not reset itself. If you have access to a code reader/scan tool there is a function on the menu to erase any codes that were stored.If you don't, you can disconnect the vehicles battery for twenty minutes.When you reconnect battery the codes will be clear. However, you will have to reset the radio stations on the stereo along with clock. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

engine light on rough idle dies at lights if sitting to long shakeswhen parked runs fine on highway

IF the check engine light is on, there is a code stored in the computer that will identify where the problem is coming from. Take the vehicle to a nationally recognized parts store and have them scan the computer. Most will do it for free, and it will identify where the problem is coming from.

Let me know what you find.
Joe