My check engine light came on yesterday, and was wondering if anyone knew of any common reasons that this is happening. I bought a new air and fuel filter to try, and was thinking that since gas is so expensive these days that since I've been using low grade gas rather than medium grade that might be it too, but other than that I don't really know where to start other than taking it to the shop.

------------------
'97 F150 XLT XCab, 4x4, Stepside, Black, 4.6L
Fiberglass Box Cover,
Bug Deflector, GTS Tailight Covers, Ford Factory Running Boards,
(2) 10" XTant subs w\ MTX amp (really pounds!!), Lifted Rear Seats 1" So The Subs Fit Under, Factory 6 Disc Changer, And One Cute Blonde In The Passanger Seat!!!

Pickup's Better Half: '68 Ford Galaxy 500, 2dr, Hardtop, Fastback

 

Keep using the lower grade of gas these engines burn cool and do not need High octane. First thing to do is disconnect the battery cable (+) side and turn on headlights to drain any power left in the system. turn off lights and re-connect battery this may solve your problem with the check eng. light. LOL

------------------
1997 F-150 XLT 4.6 REGULAR CAB, FLARESIDE PACIFIC CLEARCOAT GREEN 5-SPEED. WESTIN NERF BARS, POWER EVERYTHING,BUG SHIELD, EX-TANG SOFT COVER, BED LINER(FORD).

Better 1/2 : 92 Red T-Bird.

 

Rambo, when the check engine light comes on it means that there was some sort of failure in the pcm system, which is the system that controls your engine, trans, etc. Changing the fuel and air filters is always good but I doubt it will take care of your problem. The best thing you can do is to take it to your local Ford dealer for diagnosis. They will probably charge you a diag fee but then they can tell you what's wrong. I know this because this is what I do all day every day. If you have any questions just post a reply.
good luck!

 

It can come on when the gas cap is not secure.

------------------
99 4X4 XLT S/C with ORP
5.4L 3.73LS
Flow Master Dual Exhaust
K&N Filter w/ Intake Mod
Flex-a-Lite Black Magic 150 Electric Cooling Fan
Jason "Hugger" Truck Lid

 

Glad to see a fellow nodak here-welcome. Just a thought you didn't fill fuel with the engine running, did you? This will most always set off the light-If you didn't do this the only way to know is to take it into Eide or Bill Barth-Trzpuc Ford in Washburn also will do a great job.

------------------
98 f150 4.6 auto 4x4 supercab-short box/bright red & black/6 disk cd changer/ dynomax cat back/k&n fipk/super chip/lund taillight covers/factory fog lamps/Ford mud flaps/pace edwards box cover/ultra wheels/LT265-75-16 BFG/ westin nerf bars/steel horse billit grill & bumper insert/reflex shocks/bosch plat. plus 4/accel wires/auto start/left hand grab handle/2001 lighting headlamp and corner lights/2002 Ski-Doo Summit 800 High Mark X

[This message has been edited by summitman (edited 06-15-2001).]

 

what buckdropper said...

------------------
2001 Lightning, silver, escort 8500, ranger 2950dx dual band radio, wilson 2000 ant., bot/picked up on 05/08/01, 1997 f150 xlt 4.6L 4x2 with: a/f one fipk, superchip, optima battery, bbk 75mm throttle body, edelbrock ias shocks--2001 lightning to come(she came--see above)

"nothin' but a bunch a low-life white trash drinkin' too much cheap alcohol"

"I don't take s**t from guys who drive Lightnings," the cop said. "You're speedin' when you're sittin' on the parkin' ramp."