I have a 1989 F150 4x4 with a 302 and AOD and I just got this truck last week and ever sense I got it I will drive it about 10 miles or so and the "check engine" light will come on... after looking around this site and seeing similar problems posted I tend to think it might be my OS2 senser... The truck runs just fine even when the light is on and if I turn the truck off it will come on again in about 10 miles or so ... I dont have a lot of money to start fixing things that arn't brokin so I thought I would start there if anybody thinks that might be the problem (will it hurt it to drive it like this?)- Next question - where is this senser and is it easy to fix?

Thanks
Dennis

 

Dennis,
the best thing would be to purchase a code reader for $15 or borrow one from a friend. You can then run engine diagnostics and find out what code it is giving. O2 sensors are a fairly common problem, and really won't hurt much. What you shoul do is watch your guages to make sure you are getting adequest oil pressure and temp. If that is all OK, it probably won't hurt to drive for a while, most likely the problem is a sensor of some sort that is hanging up and no big deal, but I'd check into it anyways. Possibly you have a thermostat that is stuck shut & the engine gets hot after a short while of driving, causing the light to come on? At any rate, the O2 sensors are usually located on the exhaust manifolds adn are fairly easy and cheap to replace. I would guess you will have two of them (mine has 4). You may check into a Chilton's as it will help you with some do it yourself stuff. Good luck.

------------------
1996 F150 4x4 302, 105,000 miles

 

Thanks for the info Primtime... All the gauges look fine...Its just that dumb light...I am taking it in tommorow and having it checked but I will most likley buy a scanner anyway...will chiltons have a list of trouble codes for me? and also tell me how to fix these problems?

I feel stupid having to ask

Dennis

 

Dennis
like primetime said, go get a scanner at walmart & read the codes yourself. most garages charge at least $50 to plug in + the repair cost. the scanner will have a booklet with the codes. the 88 should have 1 exhaust sensor either on the passenger side exhaust manifold or more likely, on the y-pipe under the truck.

------------------
97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-Airraid-Perma-cool electric fan & controller

 

Codes can be decieving. On my '92 302, 5sp.
Flareside, the codes pointed toward the O2
sensor. It wound up being the throttle position sensor after replacing almost ever sensor on the thing.

------------------
'98 F-150 Lariat Ext.Cab,
4X4,auto,5.4L, 6"
trailmaster lift, Fully loaded.