I noticed when I got home that my check engine light was on. I was pretty low on fuel although I was not getting any messages on the lcd display. I went & put in some fuel but the light has not gone out. I have checked oil, transmission fluids etc & they are all good. Any ideas as to what to do?

 

Low fuel will give you a low fuel warning light, it won't register as a DTC. What the issue is anybody's guess. You need to get the codes read and post them here.

 

I am not getting any code, I am not getting any alarm noise either. The light just comes on & stays on. I did look at the owners manual & it does mention instances to do with fuel or the fuel cap & says it may take a number of cycles to clear????

 

If you have a "check engine" light on then there is a code stored in the computer. You need a code reader to get that code. If you don't live in the Peoples Republic of Kalifornia-like me, then most auto parts stores can read them for you.

Write down the EXACT code and post it here and do not let them erase it until you verify what the code number. Don't buy any parts yot until some one here can explain what the code means. I think there is a separate fuel cap light if the issue is with the cap.

So go get them read and come back.....anything else is only a guess.

 

Anyone want to place bets? I'm going with p0171 and P0174

 

What do those codes mean???

 

Those codes mean lean bank 1 & 2. The auto parts store will try to sell you new O2 sensors for that but it usually is not the fix. But we don't know what yours are yet. That is why I said;
1) get the exact code and write it down.
2) don't buy any parts until you post YOUR codes here.

The P0171/174 are very common for the 4.2 but can be caused by a multitude of issues.

So.....have your codes read. You can Henny Penny about this til the cows come home, but without those codes it's a guess. Go to O'Riley's or Auto Zone, it's FREE.

 

I'm betting this is not a 4.2, rather a eb. Seeing how he was talking about the LCD screen. This is what warranty is for, take it to the dealer.

 

His profile says it's a 2005.

 

Mine is not a 4.2 if that makes a differance. Its an XLT 4.6 V8, I thought it was a v6, my bad

 

go to autozone and get them to use the code reader. its free and until you post the codes, nobody can help you with anything. its not that hard to do. also knowing the difference between a V6 and a V8 isnt hard either...
also the check engine light will come on if you dont click the gas cap 3 or more times when you are done filling up. but it will turn off after you do or after a few miles after you do. if it hasnt gone off yet then ts something else. also i know my brother's 03 4.2L check engine light wont go off but his is something with the gas cap and moving from VA to CO. his father in law cleared it when he visited but it came back.

 

 

^ x2

 

Okay I messed up on the engine! I just get in and drive it. Don't mess with it under the hood

 

Then you probably should take it to a competent shop to get it looked at rather than trying to diagnose it yourself over the Internet.