This morning on my way to work, the check engine light came on in my '98 F150 4x4, 4.6 auto. It runs fine and I've read lots of posts on this subject, particularly the ones about fuel pressure and the fuel cap problems.
Could the problem be as simple as low fuel. I've only had this truck a short time and this is the first time I've let the tank get below 1/4 full. I'm going to fill up tonight and then reset the computer ( disconnect the - battery cable etc) and hope for the best. Anyone got any thoughts? Could "check engine" simply mean low fuel? Thanks...

 

I've only ran my fuel below 1/4 tank one time. The only light that came on was the "low fuel" light. IMO I don't bekieve it should cause the "CE" light to come on.

 

Is yor gas cap on tight as that will cause the check engine light to come on if its not on all the way if your low on fuel then only the low fuel light should come on.

 

When you have low fuel, only the low fuel light should be on. Check engine requires the codes to be read. Until you do this, it's only speculation.

 

Yup! Re-tightened gas cap, disconnected battery cable and reconnected, powered up and..presto! No more Check engine light. Thanks guys...

 

Not to sound redundant and Yes I am new to this board
but you might check the top of your fuel tank for a loose fitting
or even a puncture, when Ford installed my six disk CD
changer they drilled two two inch screws right into the top of
the gas tank, It took three months for the holes to waller
out enough to cause the tank to loose pressure and the
Check Engine light to come on (Just a thought I throw in
My 2 cents worth Goood Luck

Winger

 

My check engine light kept going on and the code read a gas tank pressure loss. It turned out the cap was on fine but the plastic housing the cap locks into had a small chip at the top of its rim that creates a seal with the cap. It was a fairly simple fix but something that was easily not noticed.

Right around the same time the light also came on to replace the O2 sensors and the Mass Flo Air sensor. All withing about a week. Funny how it all came at once but I havn't had a single problem since.