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How to use the scanner? Check engine light is on

Tiny
GVFZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 150 MILES
I want to learn how to get the right diagnosis on my truck my check engine light is on?
Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 AT 1:17 AM

26 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
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.
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Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 AT 2:09 AM
Tiny
NIKKIR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 0.5L
  • 3 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 168,000 MILES
It started ratting after I put gas in and it says service engine soon.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 10:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes it may be something has come loose causing this or something more serious. Auto parts does for free.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 10:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,465 POSTS
Is this a flex fuel vehicle? What type of gas did you put in? Is the light staying on solid or does it flash?
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 10:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
AMBER83
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
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!
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 10:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,753 POSTS
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.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 10:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SPINNA44
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 139,000 MILES
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.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 10:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,753 POSTS
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
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 10:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BONAIRE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 100,000 MILES
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?
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 10:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BEANIESORORITYLIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
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.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 10:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SAVENDIBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 211,000 MILES
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.
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 2:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,753 POSTS
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.
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 2:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SAVENDIBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello,

I got the following codes PO733, PO735, and PO745 for a 2002 Ford Explorer
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 2:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AKNIGHT1530
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
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.
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 2:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
Take it to autozone and have them check the codes and then reset the light. Get back to us with the codes.
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 2:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SIR WORTHOG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
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.
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 2:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
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
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 2:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SIR WORTHOG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
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.
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 2:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SPORTTRACGUY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,000 MILES
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
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 2:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,753 POSTS
Hi:
Is the smell that of sulfer / rotten eggs?
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 AT 2:08 PM (Merged)

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