My check engine light is always on, is it my truck or just a bad light?

Question

I have a 2000 Ford Ranger that I have had since 2001 and ever since 2002 my check engine light is always on. Their has never been a problem with the engine though. I have had the truck taken in to have that light removed but once i leave the mechanics place, the light comes back on within a few hours but again their is nothing wrong with it. I am thinking of fixing my truck up and getting it ready to sell but i want to make sure that light is gone once and for all. I hope somebody has a simple solution to this little problem.

Answer 1

There are too many reasons that light will illuminate to list here. Is your mechanic simply erasing the code, or is her attempting to "fix" it? Simply ignoring the light, won't "fix" the problem. This obviously means there is a condition present, that is "seen" by the PCM as operating outside the parameters of what it is intended to. To fix this problem would require pulling the code(s), and doing some testing to see what is causing the code(s), and performing the appropriate repair(s).

Answer 2

Has your mechanic checked for any TSBs related to the check engine light? We had a vehicle that the light would constantly return. There were multiple TSBs related to this problem, and of course the vehicle was listed with the vin as one of the affected vehicles. We did all the recommended repairs and it was finally verified that after all repairs are done if the light is still on it was faulty. Very annoying.
So as long as your mechanic has actually made repairs to fix the problem (as suggested above) and is not just clearing the light, make sure that he has looked up all the TSBs as well for anything that may help this problem! He can also call a tech service hotline, like identifix and they have alot of information for problems like this, he can talk to others who can help him. My suggestion is just make sure when you return for the same problem he is doing something more to fix it, not just checking it out again and again. If he doesn't think he can do it anymore, or it is beyond him take it somewhere else. Just talk to him and let him know that you want this taken care of and ask him to be honest, if he can't do anymore then just tell you and you can find someone else that is willing to put more effort into finding the solution.

Also make sure you have a good understanding of what he has done while attempting to fix the problem, if it isn't recorded on invoices have him write something up so you can show it to another mechanic to save time for everyone. You didn't give much details about the problem, so it's hard to know if he did anything, and if you even know what he did and what the problem seems to be.

You will have a hard time selling a vehicle with the light on, no matter what you explain to them. So if you still have a problem and your mechanic cannot fix it, it's best to take it to Ford. Make sure you give them all the invoices of past work done related to the light, so they will know what they are up against and wont waste a bunch of your money doing the same things that have already been done.

But start with the TSBs if you haven't already, if this problem has happend before with similar vehicles they should already be aware of the problem and what repair is needed. (Same with those tech services, they gather information like this so they can help others who come across the same problem) It happens.

Answer 3

There are many components that work together in the engine to maintain optimal engine performance and economy.
A service engine soon, or check engine light indicates that there is a sensor that is reading a condition that is "out of range".
Simply resetting the light does not solve the initial cause of the problem.
Replacing a number of parts trying to troubleshoot the problem in the hopes of getting the light to stay off is a tremendous waste of time and money.
The simplest, and most economical way to alleviate your issue, is to have the computer codes checked by a reputable shop to determine what caused the computer to signal you to begin with.

That being said, if per-chance you feel the need to reset the light in the hopes that it was a "glitch" of some kind, you could disconnect the negative battery terminal for a couple of minutes to clear the check engine light.

Answer 4

Generally there's no such thing as a failed check engine light, other than the bulb burning out. It may be that whoever is scanning your computer isn't finding the codes correctly. Also keep in mind there are two types of codes, KOER (key on engine running) which are typically codes that are happening right this second and KOEO (key on engine off) codes that are stored codes from previous problems or general sensors that are not working. If your ECU is not giving any error codes but the light keeps comming on its possible, but unlikely, that you have a bad ECU. You might go to autozone/advance auto and have them pull your ECU codes and see if they find a code for something.

Answer 5

Take the truck into a trusted mechanic and have them run the code for you. This will tell you what is setting off the Check Engine light.

Answer 6

First go to Auto Zone let them test to see if code in computer. If it is code 12 service no problem. Disconnect negative battery cable and turn on lights this will drain voltage stored in computer. Wait one minute turn off lights reconnect battery. Turn key to on (do not start) let set two to three while computer resets. Then you should be able to drive without light on.

Answer 7

thiers nothing wrong with your engine. that light comes on for any reason might be a fuse or something. But dont worrie about it if it runs fine. If you really want it off you got to go to the ford dealer.

Answer 8

if you know thers nothing wrong and are flipping the truck anyways just pull the light, i know its a little underhanded but it seems to be the only way with what you are describing, yep, just pull the bulb

Answer 9

Could be as simple as a vacuum hose leak or bad gas cap seal or cap is not tight enough.

Answer 10

It could be malfuctioning,The check light sensor itself,if you've never had any problems!Go to auto zone have them scan it for free,and then have then scan it for malfuctioning check light.