Ford Check Engine Light Stays On
Have problems with the Check Engine Light on your Ford? The problem may come due to a loose gas cap, worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coil, bad oxygen sensor, and other issues. Learn how to fix them by following the procedures below.
Ford check engine light will turn on when you turn on the ignition under normal operation but should turn off and stay off once you start the engine.
What does it mean when the Ford check engine light comes on?
If the check engine light in your Ford comes on when driving, it means the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system has detected a problem with the engine or emission system. If the check engine light is flashing, it indicates a severe engine misfire, allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the catalytic converter.
Symptoms
Here are some of the owners’ most common symptoms when their Ford check engine light stays on.
- Ford may idle or run rough
- A decrease in fuel economy
- The engine won’t stay running
- Ford loses power or is stuck in gear.
- Hesitates during acceleration
- Powertrain malfunction/Reduced power – this message comes on when a powertrain problem has been detected.
Sometimes, the Ford check engine light comes on, and no other symptoms are noticed.
How to Reset Ford Check Engine Light
The first step in troubleshooting the check engine light is to read the fault codes with an OBD-II scanner.
The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes through every control module of your Ford vehicle.
- Locate the diagnostics port under the dashboard of your Ford.
- Connect your OBD-II scanner to the diagnostics port. Turn the ignition on the Start button without pressing the brake pedal.
- Allow the scanner to power up.
- Select Engine Module, then press read to retrieve codes that have triggered your Ford check engine light. These codes have triggered the check engine light on your Ford.
Once you fix the problem that triggered the code, come back to the main menu and select Erase Fault Data..jpg "Ford Check Engine Light Stays On 5")
Your Ford check engine light on causes vary. It is difficult to know the problem without reading Ford check engine diagnostic trouble codes (DTC).
These instructions work on 1996, and newer Ford vehicles, including Ford Mustang, Focus, Fiesta, F-150, Ranger, Explorer, EcoSport, Escape, Fusion, F250, Expedition, Edge, Transit, Taurus, Flex, Shelby GT, C-Max made in the USA. On European models, vehicles must be 2000 or newer.
Common Problems That Trigger Ford Check Engine Light
This list of the most common problems that trigger Ford’s check engine light to stay on.
- Loose gas cap
- Oxygen sensor
- Spark plugs
- Mass airflow sensor
- Catalytic converter
- Vacuum leak
Hundreds of possible causes will turn on the Ford check engine light. Read the fault codes to find out why your Ford check engine light is on.
Let’s look at some of the most common problems and codes that often cause the check engine light to stay in a Ford vehicle.
Loose Gas Cap
A loose gas cap is one of the most common triggers of the check engine light on a Ford vehicle. If you recently stopped at a gas station, make sure the gas cap was properly tightened.
In some cases, the O ring in the fuel cap gets damaged. If that’s the case, you will need to replace the fuel cap. You can use an OBD-II scanner or drive the vehicle for a few days for your Ford engine computer to reset the check engine light.
Newer Ford vehicles equipped with Easy Fuel have no gas cap at all.
Mass Air Flow Sensor
Often referred to as the MAF sensor, the mass airflow sensor can fail, triggering the Ford check engine light to come on. If your Ford MAF sensor is defective, you will notice engine hesitation during acceleration and a dramatic fuel economy decrease.
Typical codes are stored in the ECU when the MAF fails P0171 and P0174. Resetting these codes by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes does not fix the problem. In a few cases, you may fix this problem by using a MAF sensor cleaner.
The recommended fix is to replace your Ford Mass Air Flow Sensor with a new OEM Ford unit. Aftermarket Ford MAF sensors can sometimes malfunction even when brand new.
Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensors (O2) mounted on the catalytic converter can fail to cause the check engine light to come on, poor engine performance, and a decrease in fuel economy.
One of the most common Ford codes related to the oxygen sensor is P0132, caused by an oxygen sensor circuit’s high voltage.
VCTR Solenoid
A common problem that triggers the check engine light on Ford vehicles, especially Fusions equipped with the 4-cylinder engine, is a defective Variable Camshaft Timing solenoid known as VCT solenoid.
A defective VCT solenoid will cause the engine to run rough and simultaneously trigger the check engine light. The code related to this problem is usually P0012 – “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1). Related codes include P0011, P0010, P0013, P0014.
Ignition Coils
The ignition coils may fail, triggering the Ford check engine light to come on. Common symptoms include check engine light on but engine misfire, running rough, and fault codes ranging from P0300 through P03012.
It is recommended to change the spark plug boots at the same time. If your Ford check engine light stays on after replacing the ignition coils, check the MAF sensor, spark plugs, catalytic converter, and ECU.
Conclusion
Hundreds of possible problems can cause Ford check engine light to come on. The most common issues are spark plugs, oxygen sensors, and catalytic converter failure. Instead of guessing what is wrong, use an OBD-II scanner to read the fault codes.
What does it mean when Ford’s check engine light flashes?
If the check engine or service engine light is flashing, the OBD-II system has detected an engine misfire. This is often caused by a bad spark plug or defective ignition coil but can be caused by other issues.
When your Ford check engine light is flashing, fuel is not getting burned in the cylinder but is existing unburned and typically gets burned at the catalytic converter.
Avoid driving your Ford if the check engine light is flashing, as this condition may cause unnecessary damage to the engine and the catalytic converter.
Ford Check Engine Light Flashing 8 Times
If your Ford check engine light blinks eight times when you turn on the ignition, it is not ready for State Emission Inspection, I/M test. This typically happens if the codes were recently erased with an OBD-II scanner or the battery was disconnected.
As long as the lights stop blinking after eight flashes, you can continue to drive the vehicle. All systems should be tested within a few driving cycles, and the CEL should no long flash at startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the check engine light by disconnecting the car battery?
Yes, disconnecting the battery usually clears the ECU codes. Turning the check engine light off this way will not fix the problem. If you believe the check engine light needs to be off, drive the car for a few days, and the CEL will reset itself. The Onboard Diagnostic System in your car continually monitors your vehicle and will turn off the CEL if the problem is solved. If the problem hasn’t been resolved, even if you disconnect the battery, the CEL will come back up again, which can be as soon as you restart the car or up to a few days.
Will my car pass safety emissions if the check engine light is on or recently reset?
If the check engine light is on, it will not pass the emission inspection/smog test. If the light was recently reset with an OBD2 scanner or by disconnecting the battery, you need to drive the car for a couple of days for the systems to be ready for testing.
Check engine light is on, but no codes?
It could be because you are using an OBD2 scanner that does not support the protocol used in your car. Try a different scanner. Also, there may be an issue communicating with the ECU due to a damaged wire or ECU malfunction.
Would the check engine light on cause the car to not start?
No. The check engine light is not why the car doesn’t start. If the car doesn’t start, read the codes, and maybe the CEL will give you a code that can help you diagnose the car. Clearing codes will not make your car start.
Why is my check engine light came on after the oil change?
It may be just bad timing. An oil change is not going to trigger the CEL. Unless a sensor is accidentally unplugged, disconnected, or damaged during the oil change, take your car back to the auto repair shop that changed your oil and have them diagnose the problem.
Is the check engine light normal to turn on after repair service?
No, the CEL should not turn on after routine maintenance. Suppose you modified your engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, fuel system, or other systems. In that case, it could affect the engine and emission control system, causing a check engine or service engine soon light to come on. CEL should not come on if you change tires or tire size.
Why is my check engine light on after replacing the battery?
Drive the car for a few days and allow the ECU to reset itself. If the CEL remains on, read the codes.
Why did my check engine light turn on when the engine overheated?
The check engine light is trying to tell you that your engine has a problem. It could be low coolant, stuck thermostat, or transmission not shifting. Figure out why your car is overheating first and address that problem. Do not drive if the car overheats. Pull over and turn off the ignition.
We hope you find the Ford Check Engine Light Stays On guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Ford.
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