Questions and Answers
Ford Check Engine Light
Q. I have a 1997 Ford F150, 4.2 liter V6 (automatic). It has 66,000 miles and the check engine light has recently come on. It has been on for a week and a half. It seems to drive fine and there don't seem to be any obvious problems. I have had this happen before and the dealership charged me a ridiculous amount of money to have this light turned off. It simply came on because it had so many miles. What do you think I should do with this problem? Is there anything I can do, or should I just take it in to the dealer.
Thanks for your help,
JasonA. That light serves double duty as a service reminder. It will come on at about 60,000 miles to indicate you are due for the 60,000 mile service. Some cars have a "Service Engine Soon" light that serves the same purpose.
You don't have to take it to the dealer to have the service done. You can take it anywhere for it. Whoever does the service can turn the light of or, for a small fee, just turn the light of. You should also not discount the possibility that the computer has detected a malfunction and came on to alert you to that. I'd have it checked out.
