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» Northern California Ford Owners     » Automotive   » Tech Talk   » Check Engine !!!!!

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Author Topic: Check Engine !!!!!
98snaketool
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I have a 98 cobra with only 30k on the motor and the check engine light came on today. The car seems to be running fine. It had a tune-up (Sparks etc.)last december. Oil is fine. Should I be worried and take it in right away or is there any home remedies you guys might know of. Does it just need another tune-up??? Its nagging at me, any insight/ideas would be appreciated.
[Mad] - Brian

Posts: 17 | Registered: May 2002  |  :
Gear Head
JARED
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The codes need to be pulled to see why it threw the check engine light on.

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Support our troops!

Posts: 5685 | From: EASTBAY | Registered: Jan 2002  |  :
98snaketool
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How much should that run me. And can you explain what you mean be "the codes". Thanx
Posts: 17 | Registered: May 2002  |  :
Gear Head
JARED
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When something isn't running right the computer will throw out a "code" or message and in turn will turn the check engine light on, it's the engines way of telling you something isn't working right. If you dont have a code puller then you need to take it down somewhere to have it done and I have no idea how much they would charge you for that because I never take my car anywhere to have it worked on.

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Support our troops!

Posts: 5685 | From: EASTBAY | Registered: Jan 2002  |  :
Norgs
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shops charge a min of 1 hour to pull the codes...so it can be anywhere between 90-130 $ at least to tell what is wrong with the car

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R.I.P. Miles 12/8/02
R.I.P. Mike 12-2-03 cant believe it. gonna miss u man!!

Posts: 1031 | From: Tempe...formally San Ramon | Registered: Dec 2001  |  :
the50ho
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I usually just pull codes at work, (another perk of working at a car dealership in the shop)....many times, I've been told you can go to autozone, and they'll do it for you for free with thier scanner.

I'd head to autozone if I was you, bring a piece of paper, and write everything down they tell you. Untill then, we really can not be of ANY assistance.

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Too many motorcycles...and now a destroyed arm from Motocross...brrraaappp

Posts: 4056 | From: Roseville, Ca (Sacramento) | Registered: Nov 2000  |  :
white1990stang
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or you can run a jumper wire to your eec and start the car and the check engine light will flash.

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You must be fast, cause I was haullin ass when I passed you.

Posts: 1308 | From: martinez | Registered: Jan 2003  |  :
94gt
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yeah, ive used the jumper wire method, and it worked ok.
Kragen sells a $40 deal that will display what codes are being output on a LCD

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2020 Explorer ST
2011 Silver Raptor 'Screw

Posts: 5777 | From: Beavercreek, OH | Registered: Jul 2003  |  :
z pyro
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quote:
Originally posted by white1990stang:
or you can run a jumper wire to your eec and start the car and the check engine light will flash.

this is generally the way to go. you have to know what the codes mean though; I'm sure you can find somewhere on the internet (or probably a Hayne's manual) that tells you what the codes are and how to interpret them.

I've heard that AutoZone was sued for checking the codes for free cuz the dealerships and tune-up shops complained it was taking away from their business. but [Confused]

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'95 Integra LS
'08 Buell XB12R Firebolt
'65 Mustang 289 - soon to be 306

Posts: 1732 | From: Fresno, CA | Registered: Nov 2003  |  :
J's DDLY SNK
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quote:
Originally posted by zpyro35:
quote:
Originally posted by white1990stang:
or you can run a jumper wire to your eec and start the car and the check engine light will flash.

this is generally the way to go. you have to know what the codes mean though; I'm sure you can find somewhere on the internet (or probably a Hayne's manual) that tells you what the codes are and how to interpret them.

I've heard that AutoZone was sued for checking the codes for free cuz the dealerships and tune-up shops complained it was taking away from their business. but [Confused]

Yup, they are not doing it anymore. At least not the one on Capitol/Story in San Jose.
Posts: 649 | From: San Jose | Registered: Oct 2002  |  :
1Sicgt
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Where are you from, I have code scanner.

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14 Focus TS ST3 full Stg3, ready for bigger Turbo
2003 Cobra Track Car

Posts: 8145 | From: Hitting the Apex | Registered: Jan 2002  |  :
Joooestang66
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Where are you located? Im in the Sac area, I'm a Ford tech. I can fix it right the first time for a reasonalbe price.

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"Don't Drive Faster Than your Guardian Angel Can Fly..... Well My Guardian Angel Can Fly Pretty Fuc*ing Fast!!!"

Posts: 581 | From: Elk Grove | Registered: May 2003  |  :
98snaketool
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The check engine light went off two days later and has not come on since. Is this normal and should it stay on if there is something really wrong. Should I still check it out or might it be just a wiring glitch. Also I'm in Ny right now, but I appreciate the offers guys.
Posts: 17 | Registered: May 2002  |  :
Joooestang66
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I'd still have it checked out. The CEL dosen't come on for nothing. It could help you avoid future problems.

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"Don't Drive Faster Than your Guardian Angel Can Fly..... Well My Guardian Angel Can Fly Pretty Fuc*ing Fast!!!"

Posts: 581 | From: Elk Grove | Registered: May 2003  |  :
bobbystang
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autozone for free i work there tehy'll take care of you

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99 cobra 3569-4040

mods: bunch of little things.

Posts: 83 | From: detroit, michigan | Registered: Apr 2003  |  :
Joooestang66
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If you like your car don't take it to Autozone. They have a "scantool" which pulls DTC's, but that's it. There's so much more to it. Yeah sure a guy who works at Autozone with barely and automotive knowlege can pull codes, but ask him to interpret them. He'll either try to sell you parts you don't need or give you some off the wall explaination. Just take it to a dealership or a reputable independent shop that specializes in Mustangs or Fords. It will cost you a little, but atleast your car will be fixed right.

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"Don't Drive Faster Than your Guardian Angel Can Fly..... Well My Guardian Angel Can Fly Pretty Fuc*ing Fast!!!"

Posts: 581 | From: Elk Grove | Registered: May 2003  |  :


 
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