engine light
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 10,511
Likes: 10
From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
Ok, I'm guessing that you have a CEL ( check engine light ). If so, it is a help...it is telling you to get the DTC code form the computer to see what is wrong. The computer system is beyond the key code flashes these days, there are 100s of things that it could be.
If so, yes a bad gas cap, or a good gas cap that has not been put on right ( i.e. tight enough..yes I myself did this one time ) can cause a CEL.
But that with said, best to get the code before you do this, to see what the problem is.
Pep Boys is susposed to scan the code for free...else that is what I have been told here, I just use my own scanner.
If you get the code, they can give the 5 word problem description.
Post he code back here, and I can look it up and see what the problem diags in the Ford service manual are.
A good idea, is to get the Ford service manual for your truck, it is the best money you can spend on your truck. By this, I mean teh Frod brand manual.
Several have said that they got it on eBay, I got my CDROM version from Helms. Best cash I could have spent.
Or feel free to ignore this, just buy a new gas cap, reset the computer to clear the code and corss your fingers that this was it..
( yes that is me just being a smart @ss )
If so, yes a bad gas cap, or a good gas cap that has not been put on right ( i.e. tight enough..yes I myself did this one time ) can cause a CEL.
But that with said, best to get the code before you do this, to see what the problem is.
Pep Boys is susposed to scan the code for free...else that is what I have been told here, I just use my own scanner.
If you get the code, they can give the 5 word problem description.
Post he code back here, and I can look it up and see what the problem diags in the Ford service manual are.
A good idea, is to get the Ford service manual for your truck, it is the best money you can spend on your truck. By this, I mean teh Frod brand manual.
Several have said that they got it on eBay, I got my CDROM version from Helms. Best cash I could have spent.
Or feel free to ignore this, just buy a new gas cap, reset the computer to clear the code and corss your fingers that this was it..
( yes that is me just being a smart @ss
)
Last edited by SSCULLY; Dec 11, 2002 at 10:49 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
I did a SEARCH on PO455 and found half a dozen threads. They suggested replacing the gas cap (did that) and checking the hoses and fittings on the charcoal canister under the hood.
They also said you have to reset the computer (remove neg battery cable, turn on headlights, wait 5 minutes, hook up neg battery cable, start and idle 10 minutes, drive for at least 30 minutes) If you don't reset the computer it can take up to 5 cold-start driving cycles to make the light go out if the gas cap was the problem.
They also said you have to reset the computer (remove neg battery cable, turn on headlights, wait 5 minutes, hook up neg battery cable, start and idle 10 minutes, drive for at least 30 minutes) If you don't reset the computer it can take up to 5 cold-start driving cycles to make the light go out if the gas cap was the problem.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Imperial,Mo.
flafonman, Thanks for checking. On a 4.6w do you know where the charcol canister is located ? When I replaced the gas cap I reset the computer. The CEL came back on the next day. Also if it helps, when i first start up in the morning it idles at 2grand for a few minutes (has not been cold and it is garaged)
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
I'm already on thin ice because I have a V-6. 
I'm looking at the Haynes manual for a 97-98 model. There are a number of things to check including the Vapor Management Valve. You may be better off reposting in the Engines Forum. There are a lot of guys (JMC and SCCULLY spring to mind) that would probably be of more help. Sorry.
I'm looking at the Haynes manual for a 97-98 model. There are a number of things to check including the Vapor Management Valve. You may be better off reposting in the Engines Forum. There are a lot of guys (JMC and SCCULLY spring to mind) that would probably be of more help. Sorry.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Imperial,Mo.
