My 1998 F150 xlt 4.2L's engine light recently came on.... it doesn't seem like its running poorly and it doesn't have a mis, so I'm thinking/hoping its a bad sensor. Is there any way to get the code out of it without using the diagnostic port? (it doesn't have the digital odometer so I'm thinking I need the diag. scanner) Anyways... thanks for the help...

and btw.. for the guy who wants more out of the v6 a few threads down;... unless you have 5+g's and love your truck that much, buy a v8 truck. =)

 

go down to autozone and get them to scan your comp for codes. they do it for free.

 

There is no substitute for a scan tool, tuner, or a code reader in pulling fault codes.

The digital odometer also does NOT work except for pulling an extremely limited number of fault codes, most of which are not relevant to a CEL situation.

Do NOT purchase or replace ANY parts until you have researched the extracted fault codes. Many common codes cause noobs to replace EVR valves and O2 sensors without result, then they finally come here and find out what the real problem is after having wasted time and money.

Just plug your fault code(s) into the SEARCH engine to find previous discussion.


Steve

 

Autozone and Advance Auto provide a free code reading service - possibly other parts stores do too. However, I understand that the Autozones in California do not do it, but they will "loan" you a reader to do it yourself - you buy it then return it. I dunno why, it must be something to do with the California mentality, I was out there this winter and bought a big screen TV at Best Buy. They offered to help me get it out and into my truck BUT they said they were not allowed to cross the red line between the sidewalk and the parking lot, what's up with this?

 

haha... that is the dumbest thing i have ever heard lol... im thinkin they musta just been lazy and made up that dumb xcuse lol

 

When I said I was gonna back the truck up to the front door, he looked to make sure the boss wasn't watching and crossed the line. I don't think that's laziness.

 

oic... well then there is some dumb rules at that store then.
or the boss is just a jerk. u no

 

Here in So.Cal the auto zone loaned me the scanner. I had to leave my I.D and cc. I just used it in the parking lot. Ben

 

that is gayer than Rosie O'Donnell....

 

How?? Autozone just got tired of selling them for the $15 rental fee.

 

down here in the good ole lone star state, they just walk outside and do it for you, tell you what it is, and how to fix it. no money whatsoever.

 

same for us sunshiners

 

Just so you know, I used to work at an auto parts store that did code reading, don't believe everything they tell is wrong. I went to one here in texas recently had the code P0401. EGR flow insufficent. They wanted to sell me the valve, the sensor and some stuff to clean out the tubes. If that is the code you get, get an EGR valve gasket, some upper intake cleaner and the sensor. Take off your valve and clean the crap out of it, use anti-seize on the threads and the new gasket to put it back on and replace the sensor. Thats what I did, light is gone and MPG impoved.

 

Every now and then, they hit on one.

That particular code also applies to a clogged DPFE sensor, if I recall correctly...as often as people scream "It's a bad O2 sensor!" the instant a check engine light comes on, others are understandably wary.

 

yea in pa you just let give them your license and they give you the scanner to use..last weekend when i tried to use it, it said it could not read my computer though and i couldnt erase the code either...