check engine light?

Read this guide to get the codes

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

This video will help you clear the codes

https://youtu.be/ahK_eucFi-k

Please let us know what happens. Please run down this guide and report back.

I took the truck to Ford service and they hooked it up to the computer and determined there was a problem with the 4th valve. The problem is the cable continues to come off the plug and they said i need new cables. The problem I have is that I am in Italy and they don't carry parts for American vehicles, so I guess I will do some shopping on the internet.

sure its the ignition wires
you can try replacing just the one on # 4 for know
until you find the set
good luck

check engine light is on.i got it checked out and the o2 censer cane up.i changed two censers and the light is still on

we would have to know the actual fault code before we can assist further ?

Recently, i installed a new battery in my truck, shortly thereafter, (I dont know if it was a coincidence??) my check engine light came on. It stays on and now blinks once in a while. The truck has started to shutter slightly which is only noticeable while stopped. Today the truck temp gauge showed normal and the heat was coming out warm then the temp. gauge dropped to cold and the air started coming out cold. Any ideas what might be wrong?? Ive never had prolems with this truck and i dont believe its anything too seroius. Any suggestions before i spend an arm and leg at the dealership???? Any help is greatly appreciated!!!!

Have the codes pulled from the computer to start diagnosing.

Check your coolant level.

The CEL blinking generally means a misfire and that damage may be happening to the converter.

The two may be related or may not.

Test the thermostat and for the check engine light you need to have the OBD2 read out at autozone and comeback with the code/s.

can the check engine light be an indication tha i have ablown head gasket?

The check engine light is there to alert you that there is a problem which needs to be addressed in either the fuel, ignition or emissions systems. It will not detect a blown head gasket directly. The key word is directly.

For example, a check engine code pointing to an out of range or bad sensor as being a problem, could in fact be an indirect reaction to another problem of which that sensor is only the messanger. In these cases it does no good to just replace the sensor just because the PCM says it's bad, but to properly go through a diagnostic flowchart.

auto zone diagnosed P1537 IMRC valve stuck open. Engine idles a little rough.
I am somewhat mechanical, where is this valve located, what is the best
way to repair it. I really don't have $500 to spend but am trying to keep
truck running as best as possible, help would be appreciated.

I am assuming it is a 4.2 v6. there are 2 solenoids that operate the system and the most common failure is the plastic clips that hold the rods break and the rods fall off. get them checked and if they are broke, they run about 5.00 each from ford.

if they are not broke, you need to have the solenoids checked to see if they work and hold vacuum.

it is not an easy diag. a code never identifies a bad part, just a failed system. have it checked correctly and then you can decide your next step.

Roy

Last week I was shifting up through the gears. I was accelerating normally. When I changed from second to third as soon as I let out the clutch the engine started to shake almost as if it was cutting out. The truck still accelerated. It shook again from third to fourth and the check engine light came on. Sometimes when it is colder and I start the truck it takes a few seconds for it to turn over and actually start. Yesterday and I was accelerating the engine made two pop/bang noises as it shook. Fuel pump issue?

Good morning.

The first thing I would like to see is the code for the check engine light. That will give us an area of failure to help you. You can have it read at a parts store for free.

It could be secondary breakdown on the ignition such as plugs, coils or wiring.

How old are the tune up parts?

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-backfires-while-running

The code is P0303. Cylinder three misfire.

Okay, you need to do some checks.

Roy

303

P0303
Descriptor
Probable Causes
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Canister Purge Valve
Fuel Injector 3
Fuel Pressure Incorrect
Ignition System
Mechanical Engine Failure
Vehicle Running Out of Fuel
Compression low

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Some 12000 miles back I had a rebuilt motor installed in my truck. Recently the engine light went on. It went on and off for a couple of time, now it stays on. I had the spark plugs, wires and gas filter changed on it a couple weeks ago. But the light is still on. What could this be. I notice some white exhaust in the cold mornings and when I turn on the heater a big puff of brownish smoke come up.

Thanks!

[quote:6444d64f2b="rosie 1"]Engine problem
1998 Ford F150 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 122000 miles
----------------------------------------------------------------
Some 12000 miles back I had a rebuilt motor installed in my truck. Recently the engine light went on. It went on and off for a couple of time, now it stays on. I had the spark plugs, wires and gas filter changed on it a couple weeks ago. But the light is still on. What could this be. I notice some white exhaust in the cold mornings and when I turn on the heater a big puff of brownish smoke come up.

Thanks![/quote:6444d64f2b]



lets take the guess work out of the formula
you should have the system (pcm ) scanned for codes which that will help to pin point the trouble area
let me know what the codes are so i can help
good luck

The check engine light continues to come on.I have had the truck in for several repairs,take the truck in get it fixed drive for about a week and the light comes on.Plugs, wires and the oxygen sensor have all been changed along with other repairs to get it passsed on a emissions test. can't keep paying every week for another repair.would it be wise to disconnect the light?

Hi charliemax, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

What are the OBD2 code/s that are popping up? You don't want to rig the CEL light-you gonna end up flunking the inspection if the inspector don't see the CEL at key on engine off-

Not sure would have to take the truck in again to find out the code.The last time it happened it was a misfire and they changed the plugs and wires.The time before was the sensor.I'm just not sure what to do as every time I take it in and something gets fixed it lasts about a week and the light comes on again then its another bill.Trying not to end up with a complete rebuild to find out why this light keeps coming on.Truck seems to run fine.There was a little buck in the motor which seems to have been fixed with the new plugs and wires.Also pryer to the last two fixes there was a good amount of work done just to get it past the emissions test which at that time the same thing was happening fix it drive it and the light would come on.

We need the code/s without it there's no starting point

Start when got bad gas was able to fix with plugs,wires,fuel filter, started running fine someone put bad gas in again. So started over new plugs changed coil packs dig. Code says #3 mis firing. Light stays on then starts flashing if u take it out of over drive to raise rpms it will run better not great. Runs really rough feels like mis fire r that its carboned up. Getting only about 11 mpg wasn't sure if put new fuel filter r if had censor going bad r what next step is

Try running some injector cleaner in the fuel to see if that helps.

I have added it several times doesn't change it at all

My check engine light does not come on at all. What would cause this and how do I fix it so that it does come on like it is supposed to so that I will know if there is ever a problem.

The bulb it self may be at fault
or some one remove it ,
before you took owner ship
for what ever reason
check fuses and if all ok
remove the cluster and check the bulb
have it scanned
good luck

[quote:37258339ef="BMRFIXIT"]The bulb it self may be at fault
or some one remove it ,
before you took owner ship
for what ever reason
check fuses and if all ok
remove the cluster and check the bulb
have it scanned
good luck[/quote:37258339ef]

How do I check the bulb to see if it is there or if it is not and if it is blown?
Thanks

How do I check to see if the bulb has been removed or if it is blown?
Thanks

the fuses can be check using a test light
as for the bulb
key on engine off
if you don’t have the check light on
then the only way to check it
is by removing the cluster only
with out a scanner
if you have a scanner you may command the light on off

I have checked all the fuses and they are all ok. How do I remove the cluster to get to the bulb?
Thanks

Up around the base of the steering pull the plastic cover and remove screws
also the cluster trim find 3 screws holding it up remove
remove plastic
remove the cluster hold down screws remove it
use common sense when looking and removing screws and cluster
good luck

My instrument gauges have stopped working. But when the check engine light comes on the come alive and work just fine. What could be the problem?

When I start it up in the morning on my way to work the gauges for the most part do not work, but sometimes while I am driving the check engine light will come on and then they work like they are supposed to.

Lets start by see what codes you have in the computer?The exact code numbers not code descriptions?If the check engine light is coming on that could lead us to the problem with the codes.

I have a 1998 F150 check engine light comes on and temp gauge gos all the way up.If i turn engine off for about 15 to 30 seconds it gos back to normal.Can someone help please.Thanks

The check engine light is coming on because the temp gauge is going into the danger zone. If the vehicle cools off in 15 to 30 seconds, it doesn't sound like it is overheating. Check the temp sending unit and wiring to it.

you can pick up a pocket infrared temp reader from harbor freight for $20 or less on sale and read actual engine temp to see if it's overheating. very handy little gadget.

My check engine light has been on in the truck for quit some time. The mechanic I go to has run tests on it and the codes it throws back are Bay 1 & 2 are low. I am not sure what that means and he was not certain either. Just recently the truck has started to have the check engine light flash. I am not sure what the cause of the flashing light is, but it only does it on occasion. It does not happen everyday, just once in a while. Once it flashes for a few seconds it then goes back to just staying on.

The other question I have is my truck has just started this idolling problem when the cold weather decided to set in. It wont stay running when in idol, and it will die. I am not sure the cause of this. If it is warm outside it does not have this problem. I ran a couple tanks of STP gas treatment through the truck and it seemed to help it and it hasn't gave me any problems lately, but was curious what it could be causing this problem.

To be honest, what he is telling you makes no sense to me either. Do you have the actual codes? As far as the idle issue, have yo checked for vacuum leaks? Have you checked the idle air control valve? The flashing check engine light usually indicates an engine misfire. If you can, take it to a parts store and have them scan it and let me know the codes.

question my check engine light comes on then a maybe a day later it goes off had all my sessors replaced check engine came back on again the code was bank1 sessor2 what should i do? or what should i look for?