what does a engine slight mean when it comeson?

Question

i have a ford focus and the light came on. what do i look for..is a vaccum hose is off.. could that be the problem?

the car isn't running rough either...could it be a censor is not working correctly...its a 2002 ford focus...

Answer 1

Which one?

Answer 2

The Yellow engine light coming on means that the computer used to control fuel and spark saw a problem that is causing the emissions to exceed the designed limits by 150%. In spite of what people tell you here, that light IS important, and anytime the emissions are up, the fuel mileage is down. Want to put extra money into it for gas, or do you want to put the money into repairing it and getting your mileage back? Your choice-but here's the rub. Some things that would cause that light to come on can damage the engine. If something like that were to happen , and the light is already on for something else, you'd never know it and could end up doing very expensive damage.
The best advise I saw in the other replys was to take it to a discount auto parts store, and have them "scan" it for codes. but keep in mind, just because it has a code for a sensor, doesn't mean that the sensor iteslf is bad, it could be a wiring or a computer fault, also. those parts store just love to sell you parts that don't put the light out.
Take it to a shop that has cerified techs for the best return on your money.

Answer 3

It could mean a number of things, on a car as modern as a ford focus the list of codes could easily be over 100. If you go to Advance Auto Parts, Autozone or a chain auto parts store they can scan the computer for free and tell you what the problem is.

Answer 4

Engine light means there's is a problem that your car can't fix itself. There could be any number of problems that can result in an engine light such as faulty oxygen sensor (very common) to very serious problems.

Go to Autozone or your dealer and have them hook it up to a machine which will tell you what is causing the problem.

Answer 5

The check engine light being on means that the cars computer has detected a condition that will create 1.5 times or more the exhaust emissions. a flashing check engine light means that your continued driving will likely damage the catalytic converter. either way you should at least find out what is causing the light.

Answer 6

It means STOP you have a problem that needs the help of a mechanic right now. Could be bad sensor, out of one or more fluids. Oil, Brake, Coolant, Transmission, don't take chance get mechanic. Ford dealer would be best.

Answer 7

could be many different things.... mine goes crazy ... one minute it's this.... the next minute it's something else.... my guess is if you dont know what your doing... Take it to a friend or a mechanic that does.... good luck...
these cars nowadays have too many sensors... if you take it to autozone or somewhere where they have an "engine code reader" they might look at it for free. the autozone here does. some of them even put most of the stuff in for you if you buy it from there store.... check with them though...
good luck to ya honey.... and happy new year to ya:P

Answer 8

Bring it to your local pep boys or auto parts store. They have a small handheld tester machine that they plug into your car and it will say what is wrong.

It's free! I use autozone.

It happened to me before and they told me once it was the oxygen sensor...another time it was something else. Only the handheld tester will know it.

Answer 9

Believe it or not it could be your gas cap if it is bad it can cause the light to come on.

Answer 10

there are hundreds of sensors it is impossible for anyone here to diagnose your car. see a mechanic