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What do I do if my Check Engine Light is on?

When the Check Engine light comes on, it means the truck has sensed a problem. So, obviously you should try to find out what the problem is.

Although there may not be any symptoms, you can still damage your Ford truck by continuing to drive without fixing the problem.

When the Service Engine Soon or Check Engine light comes on, you have a few options. You can take your truck to the dealer and open your wallet.

Or, if you live near an AutoZone store, you can go there and they'll read the code for free. Then you can take that code to a site such as http://www.obd-codes.com or the forums here and search on that code. An example of a code is P0171 or P0300.

The site http://www.obd-codes.com is a great site that has some detailed articles on how to fix specific trouble codes.

UPDATE: I found a few more sites that are helpful when the check engine light comes on:

  • Check Engine Light - Check-Engine-Light.com answers your CEL questions for free. Browse answered questions or ask one today.
  • Engine Light Help - Engine-Light-Help.com covers all domestic and import vehicle check engine codes. Also features some car repair articles.

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User Comments

Add Comment
Comment BO
2007-07-07 at 8:51am

Check Engine Light
I have had my 2006 Ford Truck in several times for the Engine light. It still does not shut off. The service department has had this truck 4 times and still cannot figure it out.

How do I get this light to go off.
Comment PortHuronGuy
2008-05-14 at 2:49pm
Autozone stores will read the code for you, but have them print out a copy of the code for you from their computer, it will list the possible causes of the problem. PLEASE don't think that because one of the items on the list is a part that it must be the cause of the light...we see it all the time with O2 codes. People hear the word O2 circuit and buy a new sensor only to have it not rectify their problem. I work at an Autozone and see that a lot. Our computers do not diagnose the problem, only read the codes that are set in your computer.
Comment Phil <justice1965@rogers.com>
2008-12-01 at 11:48am

Service engine soon light
I have an oldy 1997 f150 xcab its service engine soon light has been on for a while now , I had in diagnosed as being the evaperation canister aparantly they are bad for these , My mechanic has said it dosnt really hurt much to continue driveing it as is if you dont mind the light on here in Canada its about a $400.00 fix and im told itl come back on again in about 6 mnths or so as the replacement canisters are worse than the originals, Ill put up with the light .lol
Just one of im sure many possible solutions .
BTW Mine is a v6 standard 5 speed.
Good Luck
Phil
Comment JC
2010-05-08 at 11:39am
Auto Zone no longer diagnosis vehicle codes
Comment DTC Codes
2010-07-18 at 9:16pm
If your check engine light is on check out http://www.dtc-codes.com
Comment Jim
2010-11-25 at 12:57am

Auto Zone
Yes they do check the codes for you. I calle them today and asked if they sill done them and he said yes they do. I mwill be talking my 99 F-150 down tomorow and have the codes checked.
Comment josef <josef@kaminholz-frei-haus.com>
2010-12-02 at 3:06pm

4 x 4 PROBLEM with ...... Ford F150 1997
4 x 4 PROBLEM with ...... Ford F150 1997
Hello from Europe / Austria ... my problem with Ford F150 1997, 4x4 makes clicking under
the truck where the driver sits. Also it is turned on because the digital light on the
instrument shows 4x4, but the jerk for the four-wheel lock can not be heard not felt.

Actuates the switch, only the vehicle is stopped with the neutral position.

one always has the lock and felt heard of the 4x4, now he does not remember why I do not
know?

WHO CAN HELP ME?

But as I said CLICK A LOW NOISE TO HEAR FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT!

BUT THE 4x4 will not turn over!

PLEASE HELP ME!

IN AUSTRIA IS VERY MUCH SNOW!
THANK YOU THANK YOU!

office@kaminholz-frei-haus.com

or

josef@kaminholz-frei-haus.com
Comment Mike
2011-01-14 at 7:29am

Gas Cap
My Check Engine light comes on when the gasoline cap is not properly seated. You don't get a good vaccum seal when the gas cap is loose or not properly seated. Just unscrew the gas cap and screw it back on properly.
Comment Voodoo
2011-02-10 at 3:50pm
I had the same issue but with my car and my mechanic recommend replacing the gas cap or the cat. converter.
Comment 10ECfan
2011-07-12 at 10:51pm
I took my 2001 F150 to Auto Zone, they checked it, got me the part. I replaced the coil pack, truck runs great again. Hats off to Auto Zone in Enterprise, AL. Thanks !!!
Comment Big Hank
2011-08-19 at 6:19am
the check engine light.. more like the its paid for light. as soon as i payed off my 2006 f150, the check engine light. literally it came on 15 minutes after i made the last payment


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