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My check engine light came on?

Tiny
TXCOUGAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 MERCURY SABLE
  • 150,497 MILES
A mechanic ran a diagnostic on it and said my computer needs the codes?
Thursday, September 8th, 2011 AT 5:29 PM

25 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
This is how you can gather the codes so we can fix the car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Thursday, September 8th, 2011 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
BOONERBOY7
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 MERCURY SABLE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 127,000 MILES
My car normally runs perfectly fine for me and I have very few if no problems. However i've made the trip from virginia to florida about 4 times in the past 3 monthes. During the trips I was driving around 90mph the whole time, which I assume put some strain on the engine. On my last trip back down to florida, I started my drive needing an oil change but neglected to get it done and made the 700mile trip anyways. During the drive my "check engine light" came on and I assumed it was because my car was trying to tell me I needed an oil change. When I got into florida I got one and thought that after a few days the light would go off. Unfortunately (2weeks after oil change) it still remains on all the time and occasianlly blinks while driving. My car runs fine and doesnt seem to have anything wrong with it, however the light wont go off and it worries me while I drive that I could be potentially ruining something internally. What might be the possible problem?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Heck engine light has nothing to fo wiyh oil change reminder! It has stured a code(s) and beeds to have a scantool plugged into the DKC to read the code. If the light blinks, it means the converter could be damaged by the problem. Autozone will read the codes for free, do it ASAP
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAULCM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,000 MILES
I have a 99 Mercury Sable. Runs greats, but from time to time it has weird spasms. The engine idle or driving, will randomly increase and decrease in RPMs. Almost like cruise control is engaging and shutting off.
Also, the wiper blades will randomly turn on then off, the clock radio will reset. The check engine light and fuel light will pop on while this happens, then instantly go off. Then it could go several days or weeks before this happens again.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there,

Thank you for the donation,

With the check light coming on, there will be a set fault code in the ECU memory, get a scan done and report the codes, this may give us a clue as to what is going on here.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WINGFAN04
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 MERCURY SABLE
Hello,

I Have a 1999 Mercury Sable w/ 107,000 miles on it. It has the 24V DOC Engine. Recently the check engine light came on and it turned out to be a "Insufficent EGR Flow or Low flow" Quite common for these cars i've read. I've tested the Egr Valve and supect the DPFE Sensor. The only thing that baffles me is that when the outside air temp is below 32 Degree's the engine light eventually goes off if we have a few days of below frezzing weather. As soon as the air temp is above 35-40 degrees Engine light is back on again. Any suggestions from anyone about this? Does this sound like a faulty Sensor?

Thanks for any help,

Wingfan 04
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PEPPERMRJ
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,158 POSTS
Ford had a lot of trouble with the DPFEs. They even extended the warranty on some. Check with your dealer. It would be wise to clean the valve and its port first.

Good luck and let us know. :)
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JGREEN523
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1999 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,000 MILES
The "service engine soon" light comes on intermittedly. Transmission mechanic tells me: it could be the converter, (I'm questioning that since it's a high cost item) or the shifting solenoid. (Are there more then one) The car runs fine except from time to time I can feel a little rough shifting. Right now that "service engine soon light is off" What gives?

Any opinion would be greatly appreciated.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be a shifting solenoid problem-a badly needed tune-up will cause the transmission to function improperly-dirty fluid and filter if it continues get the tranny pressure tested-
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JGREEN523
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you for your speedy reply/opinion. I will check those things starting with the simple ones first.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MICHELLEV3
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140 MILES
CHeck Engine Light is on. Replaced pressure sensor and EGR selanoid. Code was reset and light went on about 30 miles later. What else could it be? Help please. :)
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
AMALSBURY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have the same issue, so if anyone can answer, that would be great.

So many times the code is addressed (that triggered the light going on) and after about 30 minutes, the stupid light is back on again.

Help us both, please.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
EDAU10357
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Service engine light came on. Car runs great. Anything to worry about? Also where is plug to check light?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
Hi:
If the car is still running good, chances are there is a leak in the EVAP system. The plug should be under the dash on the driver's side. Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAMABANANA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 MERCURY SABLE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 77,000 MILES
How do I clear the light to see if my repairs were the problem? The light went on a few days ago and we have since replaced all the fluids in the car, that were all very low. I want to know if I have corrected the problem but the light is still on. My emergency brake is always on, even though the brake isn't engaged, so I don't always trust the lights. Can you help?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
We need to scan for code/s-you have a problem within the engine management system that caused the CEL to turn on. This guide will help us find the code so we can fix the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
THESANOWS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I need to replace my 'check engine' bulb in my 1998 Sable in order to pass my state's emmissions testing. How do I do that?
Thanks, TheSanows
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Is the light on and need to have it off
or you have no light at all
(KOEO no check engine )
bulb is in the rear of instrument panel
you have to remove it to gain access to the bulb
INSTRUMENT PANELS - ANALOG -1998 Mercury Sable LS
Page 1 of 1
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

Removal & Installation
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Turn switch to RUN position. Place 1/8" drift pin-punch in hole in lower steering column shroud under ignition switch. Press retaining pin while pulling out on ignition switch lock cylinder to remove it from steering column lock cylinder housing.

2. Remove upper and lower steering column shroud. Remove 2 retaining screws from instrument panel steering column cover and remove instrument panel steering column cover from instrument panel.

3. On column shift model, insert Radio Removing Tool (T87P-19061-A) into integrated control panel face plate. Push removers in about 1.5" to release retaining clips.

CAUTION:DO NOT use excessive force when installing radio removers. Excessive force will damage retaining clips and make control panel removal difficult.

4. Apply a light spreading force on removers and pull integrated control panel out of instrument panel. Disconnect wiring connectors and automatic temperature control sensor hose and elbow, if equipped.

5. Remove 4 retaining screws and instrument panel finish panel from instrument panel. Tilt steering wheel to lowest position to make clearance to remove instrument panel finish panel.

6. On column shift vehicles, remove adjustment nut from transmission range indicator cable and remove transmission range indicator cable from bracket. On all vehicles, remove 4 retaining screws from instrument cluster. Pull top of instrument cluster toward steering wheel.

7. Reach behind instrument cluster and disconnect electrical connectors from instrument cluster. Remove instrument cluster from instrument panel. To install, reverse removal procedure.
NOTE: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LAURIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
It's amazing the coincidence of my check engine light and using a certain gas station. (It's happend in two cars)
After a long trip, (200+ miles) my check engine light came on, directly after putting gas into the car. (I'm talking seconds) There is a slight hesitation if in N and reved to 4000. Other than that, only a hesitation in shifting after getting off the highway in the city has been noted by me. (It likes first gear too much.)
Could this possibly be the fuel injector?
Also, do the fuel injector service at the car shop really make any difference?
If it is not this, what could it be?
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Is the check engine light on? If so get the code(s) read and post the result here, Autozone will read em for free. If you only observe the condition with a certain brand of gas. Avoid that gas! Upgrade to a higher octane.
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Monday, January 11th, 2021 AT 10:42 AM (Merged)

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