Questions and Answers

Aspire Won't Give Up DTCs Q. I have a 1997 Ford Aspire and the check engine light keeps coming on. I took it to the garage and they changed the fuel filter, the air filter and the transmission fluid. They advised that the check engine light will not read on the computer and that probably means that the computer needs replacing.

After talking with several people I have heard that this is just a problem with the Ford Aspire. The car is running fine; the only thing is the light is on. It has about 86,000 miles and I have it serviced every 3,000 miles. Do you have any suggestions for me or know what the problem might be.

Thanks for your help,
Shirley

A. Even if the PCM is bad, it should display a code. It won't be in the standard Pxxxx format but rather a two digit code indicating the PCM failure.

I would recommend disconnecting the battery for at least five minutes and then drive the car about 20 miles. This will erase everything in the computer and may run rough for a few miles until the PCM "relearns" certain values. If the check engine light comes on again and they are still unable to access the codes, then I would try a new PCM.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA