Is there a way to self-dignose your check engine light codes on a 98 Ford Explorer?

Question

My Chrysler T&C lets you turn the key on and off twice, then back on, and the check engine light flashes the codes in sequence. Does a 98 Ford Explorer have a similar solution?

Answer 1

No, unfortunately there is no way to "self-diagnose" or retrieve the codes on this particular vehicle like you would on some Chrysler products, where you cycle the ignition key between OFF and RUN three times, ending in the RUN position. You would need to either purchase a code reader that reads OBD-II codes, and retrieve it that way, or take it to either a mechanic with a scan tool, or the the Ford dealer where the servicing tech will retrieve it using IDS. Bear in mind that retrieving the codes does NOT "tell you what the problem is", rather where the PROBLEM AREA is, that the PCM has detected. You would still need to have it diagnosed properly in order to fix the cause of it, in order to avoid wasting money on unecessary parts replacements where places like Auto Zone like to sell you. For what it's worth, you are better off taking it to the Ford dealer and paying the diagnostic fee to have it diagnosed right. For example, on Ford products in particular, outside "garages" replacing EGR valves tend to be the most commonly misdiagnosed items, when it is usually the DPFE sensor that should've been replaced (a sensor that most mechanics unfamiliar with Fords don't even know exists, let alone its purpose). Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Drop by an auto supply that does code reading for free. They might also write down the code and freeze frame data. Freeze Data is what was happening temp sngine speed car speed temp and other things that help mechanics diagnosis. My guess id a P0420 or P0430 code or O2 sensor code. You did not say V-6 or V-8

Answer 3

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

YOU SHOULD GET THE VEHICLES COMPUTER SCANNED AND CHECK FOR ANY PROBLEMS AS WELL AS CODES AND THEN YOU WILL HAVE A GOOD IDEA ON WHAT THE PROBLEM TRULY IS.

TRY FINDING AN INDEPENDENT SHOP INSTEAD OF THE DEALER OR A CHAIN STORE BECAUSE YOU WILL BE OVERALL MORE PLEASED WITH THE FINDINGS AND THE SERVICE.

LEAVE IT THERE WITH THEM SO THAT THEY CAN FIND THE PROBLEM FOR YOU, IT WILL BE A LOT BETTER THAN JUST REPLACING PART AFTER PART AND NOT DOING ANY GOOD.