Check engine light?

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Take the car to a nationally recognized parts store and have them scan the computer for codes. If the light is on, there should be a trouble code set in the computer.

Also, most parts stores will scan for free, so there is no money out of pocket.

Let me know what you find. Also, you mentioned the gas cap. Do you already know it is an EVAP code?

Joe
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TAURUS2002
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
Recently I had cylinder #2 replaced by a Ford Dealership. Since then my service light has come on repeatedly and now it will not turn off. All steering fluid was out when I picked up the car.I had all fluids changed and, I guess, they just forgot to fill that one up. All the others are "leaky" now. I have just filled them all to the proper levels and the engine light is still on. Any suggestions. I will not take it back to that dealership.
Thanks for your input, sa
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Check engine light on is an indication of a stored trouble code in the PCM
Need to use an OBDII reader to get in and read the codes
Most local shops and part stores can help you in getting the codes
You can post the codes for more help if needed
Check engine light on
1st step is to get the codes
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HUGHTRAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
My 2002 Ford Taurus does not have AC any longer. I noticed about two months ago that the Check engine light would come on and stay for a couple of days, then would disappear for several days. When the light would come on, my AC would quit blowing cooled air. It then became an instance of if I started the car and the air was off the light would not come on, Now the light is on constantly minus the time I had to change the battery out because the other one died twice. (Hmm. This might be a clue as well). When I changed the battery I did it in the auto parts stores parking lot, we checked the codes on the check engine light before changing the battery and no codes reported. After changing the battery the AC worked the whole way home! Only the next day, the Check engine light came back on, and no AC. It has been like this now for three weeks. It has been over 100 degrees each day for five straight days. I need help!

Other than spending money on trying to find out what the problem is, money I don't have right now, I need to make sure that I am not killing the car.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
When the light on go back to the part store ask them to get the codes for you
let me know what you have for codes
good luck
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HUGHTRAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The light was on last time, only the guy didn't start the engine. This time we started the engine and voila, P1633.

The definition on the slip says
"Keep Alive Memory (KAM) voltage too low.

Explanation
ECM detected the KAM power circuit to the battery was interrupted.

Probable Cause
Battery Disconnect occurred
Open or Short Circuit condition

After a Google search, most results showed that a fuse was blown as well with this issue, I checked the Fuse (#22 A/C relay) and it was fine. I also looked at the A/C Clutch but can't tell if it was turning or not?
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Diagnostic Aids
This test is used to diagnose the following:
Battery Terminal Condition
Keep Alive Power (KAPWR) Circuit Routing
KAPWR Circuit Condition
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Testing.

NOTE:KAPWR is interrupted when PCM or battery is disconnected. DTC P0603, P1605 or P1633 may be generated during next PCM power-up.

1) DTC P0603, P1605 & P1633:
2) Check Battery Terminals
Inspect battery terminals for corrosion or loose connection. Service as necessary. If battery terminals are okay, go to next step.
2) Check Engine Compartment For Proper Wire Routing

Inspect wiring harness and connectors for damage or corrosion. Ensure wiring harness is properly routed and not too close to ignition or exhaust components. Service as necessary. If no concerns are found, go to next step.
3) Check Keep Alive Power Circuit To PCM

Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect PCM connector(s). Inspect connector for loose, damaged or corroded terminals. Repair as necessary. Using a DVOM, measure voltage between chassis ground and KAPWR circuit at PCM harness connector terminal No. 55 (104-pin PCM), or terminal No. A44 (150-pin PCM). While observing DVOM, wiggle and bend small sections of wiring harness between PCM and dash panel. If voltage is continuously 10.5 volts or more, go to next step. If at anytime voltage drops to less than 10.5 volts, isolate open in KAPWR circuit and repair as necessary.
4) Check For Repeat Of DTC P0603, P1605 Or P1633

Reconnect PCM connector(s). Start engine and allow to idle and reach normal operating temperature. Perform KOEO ON-DEMAND SELF-TEST. Retrieve Continuous Memory DTCs. If DTC P0603, P1605 or P1633 is present, replace PCM. If any other DTCs are present, service as necessary. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS. If no DTCs are present, testing is complete. DTC P0603, P1605 or P1633 may have been due to a previous repair.
Good luck
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN G. JAMES
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
My Taurus has been running rough lately. It seems fine when I first start it, but after it is warm when you accelerate it jerks or has a bad miss. It will idle fine and only does it when you accelerate. A couple times the light that looks like an engine flashes when I accelerate. After a few minutes it goes off. It did this when it was under warranty and they said they changed a plug (fouled) and spark plug wire. We did a code test on it, but there were no codes. The car only has 81000 miles and I am the 2nd owner. I have had the car for 5 years and this is the only problem I've had. Do I need to do a tune up now? What can I do before I have to spend alot of money later? Oh, I recently put a bottle of slick 50 injector cleaner in. I haven't finished the tank of gas yet, but still no difference.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Have the CAT convertor checked. It may be clogged or partially clogged.

They can perform a backpressure test on it, but it sounds to me like the convertor is clogged.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHN G. JAMES
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I did an OBD on the car and did not get any codes. Shouldn't there have been at least some kind of code?
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
You should get a code.

If the convertor is bolted on, it is very easy (oops, I used the "easy" word :) )to remove and visually check it.

Otherwise check fuel pressure and spark.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:49 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MIGUEL VILLALONA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,000 MILES
My car shows the engine light I gave it a tune up as soon I hit the route it started like it wanted to turn off I was thinking is the converter I m not a mechanic but I read the user manual as soon has I hit 40mph it start like jumping.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,383 POSTS
Take the vehicle to a good autoparts store (autozone etc.) Have them scan for fault codes (most do this free) repost with the codes for a better diagnosis and repair advice
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JIGMAN586
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 122,000 MILES
I have read some of the other replies from you guys on this issue my question is, if it is a specific cyl. Misfire what is the more common solution?
I pulled the wires off the coil while running to make sure it was still firing and it would jump a spark across a 1in gap to the wire does that mean the coil is still good? Or will it still do that with a weak coil? I just replaced the plugs with a new set of Bosch Platinum +2 and it didnt do the trick. And all the wires "look" good, no evidence of cracks or ground out.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Codes will help in pin pointing the cylinder
plugs was changed what about the wires
if spark jumping out of coil and its strong coil should be OK
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JIGMAN586
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thats next, im gonna get some wires. I guess I will go through the process of elimination till I get it. I am praying it aint the compression in the cylinder to low!
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JILLIAN0023
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
Shakes or Wobbles problem
2002 Ford Taurus 6 cyl

A few days ago my engine light came on after I got an oil change, I had only had my car for a little over a month or more and now everytime I'm at a stop light for a few seconds my car act light it's going to turn off, so I put in in Neutral so that it doesn't. It's fine when I drive but when I stop that when the extra shaking occurs. What does this sound like?
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check engine light:

Have the computer scanned for code/s-you have a problem within the engine management system that caused the CEL to turn on-This is your starting point of diagnosis, finding out what's going on.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TXTURTLELYTIGER
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
I am sure that it has to do with your engine vaccum hose, when it springs a air leak it backs up air and loses pressure causing the sputter. My Taurus has done it before and had the Vaccum Hose replaced, then it drove smoothly. Have you had the MAF sensor replaced before? It can also cause this problem as well. I paid 50 bucks to replae the MAF sensor online on eBay because AutoZone wanted almost 100 bucks for the replacement.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHALL330
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 47,000 MILES
This Morning on the way to work the check engine light came on I had the AC on and driving 55 MPH. I pulled over and when I turned the lights off the check engine light went off. I turned the car completely off and the the AC off and the Lights off, sat there for few minutes and then turned everything back on and drove 40 mph to work and the light remained off and did not come back on. Im afraid to drive anywhere do you know what the problem could be?
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Saturday, October 24th, 2020 AT 11:50 AM (Merged)

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