Questions and Answers

Ford Probe Check Engine Light Q. Dear Vincent, I have a couple of questions about my Ford Probe. It is rebuilt from three separate Ford Probes that were all wrecked cars. I bought it at 32,000 miles, on the engine. Other parts have more. I just replaced the A/C Condenser but before I did so the check engine light started coming on.

It doesn't stay on, but it comes on and may stay on anywhere from 10 seconds to a minute, sometimes more. I've noticed it is usually when I am accelerating or slowing that it does this. I'm not sure if I should get it checked or if this is a common problem with Probes.

Also, when I turn I hear a clunking sound that sounds as if it's coming from the right back tire of my car. It almost sounds like the wheel is loose. My boyfriend thinks it is my shocks and my mechanic didn't even notice it when he took it for a test drive, but to me it is a very distinct clunking.

• 1994 Ford Probe
• 2.0 liter 4 cylinder
• Manual transmission
• 53,000 miles
• Fuel injection
• ABS brakes
• P/S, A/C , Cruise control

Thanks for your help!
Michelle

A. When the Check Engine Light (CEL) comes on, the computer has detected a malfunction in the engine control system and has stored a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). You can access the DTCs and see what the code is. That will give us a good place to start troubleshooting.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes

As for the clunking sound, there was a problem with the steering racks making a clunking noise when turning. So that would be the first place to start looking. A Ford Dealer is best equipped to repair this since it does involve removing the steering rack and re-adjusting the rack yoke preload.