dang check engine light?

Question

I have a 1995 Ford Contour, and the "check engine" light will not go off. I have changed the oxygen sensor because it was saturated with carbon. I changed the fuel filter, and the air filter. I am not rich, and I am running out of ideas. Can anyone think of something cheap I can try to change next? Or maybe help me rule out what the problem may be? I would greatly appreciate it.

Answer 1

Rather than throwing parts at the problem (guessing and replacing parts) why not have the computer scanned for codes, and repair the problem that it shows?

Answer 2

In a Ford, the check engine light staying on means a bad O2 sensor. Sometimes they still don't go off after you install a new one -- it's a common problem with Fords.

Answer 3

If you already changed all that sometimes you just have to reset the sensor , i have an Acura which gives me "service required " light on the dash board everytime i have to change my oil , and after i do i have to reset it so that it goes away. Or just to make sure go to a mechanic who has a computer that usually gets linked undr your steering wheel that gives a code which can be analayzed and then you can figure out whats wrong . Just to figure out that code costs around $90

Answer 4

Do you have a Checker or Auto Zone parts store near you? Or even Pep boys, or a local equivalent. They should have a trouble code diagnostic tool to plug into your car and find out more precisely what the problem may be. You did not mention your PCV valve, replace it also.

Answer 5

check your fuel cap. my s10 will light the engine light if the fuel cap is off or faulty. It happened. Also, fuel caps are around $10.00. After, remove you battery cables for 30 seconds and put them back on. Then drive the car for about 10 miles and see if the computer resets itself.

Answer 6

i got an idea if your light is on your cars computer has set off a fault code the way to fix the problem is to take your car to a ford dealer and have it scanned and have the codes eraced then the light will go off if not its a prosess of elimanation and that costs lots of money and the light will continue to stay untill it is eraced since you car is ford take it to a ford dealer and im sure that dang light will go off

Answer 7

Some cars have a reset button that has to be pushed after you change the oil. The button is under the dash on the drivers side.

Answer 8

you could also try to remove your cables from your battery for a few minutes then reapply them to the battery sometimes this will work but however if it is something that requires getting a computer hooked up to it to reset it then you may have to do that as well. another thing that you could do is check your oil and water levels. this also helps. and it could just be that your light is being stupid and there is no reason for it to come on. because they tend to do that from time to time. hope this helps you.

Answer 9

Ironhand is right yet do no longer reset the pc with the aid of disconnecting the battery, you are able to oftentimes bypass to a shop and have it finished with the little reader they use to get the codes. whilst in case you disconnect the battery the mild will bypass out the pc nevertheless records the code and in some states it will make your automobile a lemon it you do it to plenty. whilst my hit upon had O2 sensor issues the shop that i bypass to reset it for loose.

Answer 10

some have switches to turn them off and others have a wire to cut, i think ford has the wire to cut. it will be marked with a tag that reads "Cut this wire at a set number of miles" look under the dash on drivers side and passenger side.