What does the light of an engine - Check Engine Light - on a Ford Windstar mean?

Answer 1

A good auto parts store will scan codes for free. However, do you research on other forums to learn what each code could 'really' mean. Most the time it's a vacuum leak. Don't let them sell you expensive sensors before researching the codes.

Answer

Problem with emission control system - have vehicle scanned to determine the problem

AnswerThe check engine light (CEL for short) is triggered when one or more of the many sensors on the vehicle detects a not-normal reading,

There are 2 basic steps to determining the cause of the CEL coming on:

1. Have the codes read - many places offer to read the engine codes for free. Autozone even provides a printout of the codes, and a short description of common causes

2. Research those codes! Find out the true cause and reason for the not-normal reading. It is not often that the sensor itself is bad and requires replacing.

There are countless sources of information on engine DTC (diagnostic trouble codes) on the internet - including WikiAnswers!

My real-life examples:

DTC code P0402 on 98 Tracer - replaced the EGR valve, light came back. Made my daughter live with it for 2 years. Yesterday I had a few minutes while waiting for the oil to drain and poked around the engine - found a small 2" piece of rubber hose that had softened and collapsed right where the PCV connects. A free piece of hose from Autozone and the light cleared after a few drive cycles!

Major auto parts chain told me my TSP (Throttle position sensor) was bad due to the CEL being lit up (might have been a P1120 DTC). $40 and 10 minutes to replace - ((_#*&$ light came right back. A few days ago, after doing some reading, I bought a $4 can of throttle body spray cleaner - used 1/2 the can on my 98 Sable - voila! CEL is gone again!

*DTC codes P0171 and P0174 - O2 sensors reported lean fuel conditions on bank 1 & 2 on my 2001 Windstar. Some research later found out the 1999-2003 Windstar 3.8l engines had a known problem and Ford issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) describing exactly how to fix it. Instead of wasting $80 replacing perfectly good 02 sensors, I used that money to buy the parts for the repair.

I have added untold miles to the life of my engine, and kicked up my MPG for real savings!

Pay attention to those check engine lights - they're there for a reason. And with the internet today, you can readily find the information to keep your car healthy, and even save some $$ in the process.

the engine light monitors computer sensors and functions, not vital things like temp. oil pressure etc. when that light is on, there will be a code stored in the computers memory. Most auto supply stores can access and read the codes for you, which will tell you what to look for. your particular vehicle is bad about setting a code for being too lean, probably the intake leaking vacuum

Answer- Reset Cel yourselfdisconnect the battery. not sure for how long. (15 minutes?) AnswerSometimes the gas cap not being tight can cause a check engine light in newer models of cars. Sounds silly but worth a try, especially if you recently filled the tank. Take the cap completely off, and screw back in ensuring that it is on straight and tight. AnswerThe check engine light turns on to inform the driver that the computer has detected a 'fault' and that the driver should address the problem. If the light is on constantly, it's considered a "minor" fault but something that needs attention as soon as you get a chance. If the light is flashing it means that something serious has been detected and you need to deal with it NOW!

You can either take the vehicle to a shop and have the mechanic connect a code reader to your vehicle

OR

you can take your vehicle to your local auto parts retailer and borrow, rent or buy a code reader that will tell you what's wrong.

Whichever you decide, you won't be able to guess what's wrong, and nobody can help you unless and until you connect the vehicle to a code scanner.

Often it's something relatively simple even though it may be a bit expensive. Oxygen sensors for example can be pricey and you should replace both sides at the same time. On the other hand it can sometimes be as simple as a loose gas cap. The code scanner is a great help and if you intend to do much of your own work it's good to have your own scanner. Scanners can be purchased for as low as $30

Answerits telling you its time to service your van you more than likely have a sencer that is going or is allready done you need to get a code reader done an OBD

GOOD LUCK DRIVE SAFE

ComputerThe only way you will know what is wrong ( there could be problems that do not affect the way it runs right now ) is to have the computer codes read. If the light is on there "is" a problem. AnswerIf you check engine light kicks on, I would either get an ODB 2 diag unit and plug it in and check for an error code, or I would let a shop do it. If you do it you can look up what the code means on Google.

mk1505 added 1/6/08

On 1998 and 99 windstars a flashing MIL (check engine light) means that the computer has detected one or more misfiring cylinders. You will need to connect an OBDII compliant scanner to the datalink port under the dash on the drivers side to scan the computers trouble codes and determine which cylinders are misfiring.

Disconnect the NEGITIVE Battery Cable and leve it unplugged for 30 seconds, plug it back up - and it will go out

it means your On Board Diagnostic System has detected a problem. there are hundreds of codes it can tell you, each one means something else. If you have a local autozone, go there and they can tell you what the code you are throwing means.

AnswerGo to auto zone and get an OBD 2 test done and they will tell you what is wrong. it could be any thing.The test is free! AnswerMore than likely it is the Check Engine Light. Contact you local Ford dealer. AnswerUsually it is one of the engine sensors not functioning properly, and the PCM isn't receiving the feedback it needs to control the engine properly.

It could be an engine sensor picking up something wrong, or an oxygen sensor before and after the engine. The transmission is another item, that might have a problem and cause the engine light to pop on.