1998 Mercury Villager After Cleaning Engine then Service En

Tiny
PARTNERSNTRUST
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 15,600 MILES
Well I have had this van for almost 2 weeks. I thought I was doing a good thing by cleaning the engine. I have never cleaned a engine before so I'm not sure what I may have done wrong. I went to the car wash and use the setting they have for engine cleaner and sqiurted the solution here and there in the engine and then got paper towel to try to clean it off and the nasty dirt. Well then when I left I guess 10 min later as I was driving and turning a corner then the dreaded service engine light comes on. Ugh.I hate to see stuff like that. The van still rides smooth I can't tell any difference in it. What did I do something wrong by cleaning the engine. Please help! Thanks Jan
Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 12:18 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Possible moisture get on the plugs or it needs a tune up
1st step should be is to have it scanned for codes as codes should indicate why and help in finding the fix
Most local part stores can help you in getting the codes
Let me know what you have for codes
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Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 5:00 AM
Tiny
PARTNERSNTRUST
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Wow so surprise to get such a fast answer thank you. My next step then is to take it to auto store and have that scanning stuff did you suggested. I guess Murray does this too not sure I will call first. Ok thanks a bunch and when I get the code I will come back and ask about it.

Jan
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Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 5:58 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Sure once you get your codes post them and I'll be happy to help
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Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 3:21 PM
Tiny
PARTNERSNTRUST
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  • 4 POSTS
Well I was going to take my van friday to auto zone to see if they can scanned it and tell me the code and was going to come back here to post it for you to tell me about it. I can forget about that.I go to start my van up and its so loud not quiet like it was since I got it. It has not even been 2 weeks and well some scumbums or evil people have stolen my that catalytic converter thangy I think that is what they call it.I tell you it made me so upset but they are doing everything in the city here and there to make money stealing galore. A few years ago it was my old 89 van did the same thing to but I had it like 7 yrs and live over here and never had any problems. I had a friend that know some mechanics and they came and look at it. They cut it so bad to some kind of sensor oxygen I think it was. So of course I don't have money to be buying another one of those thangy so they just straight piped it and had to cut oxygen sensor in order to clamp it or something. So no need to worry about the service engine soon light it will stay on I guess I just have to cover it up since I find it irritating to look at. Sad you can't have nothing nice people want to mess it up for you. Well thanks for your help anyhow I will not be going to have it scanned one of the sensors are gone so it probably will stay on forever now.

Before I go may I ask you do you know why my blinkers will not blink. The hazards light blinks but each individual blinkers will not blink but will come on any ideas? Thanks and sorry for being long winded kind of sad but hey got to be positive could of been worst like them stealing it. Now I better get an alarm/kills switch thangy. Thanks!
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Saturday, April 17th, 2010 AT 9:02 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Sorry to hear about your van and catalytic convertors
For sure it's a sad day when you wake up to find your car or property was vandalized
But converters can be sold for good money and some will do whatever it take to make a quick $
I don't know what state you live in or if you live in the United State s
I have to say this: driving a car without catalytic convertor is a big NO NO
And in violation to federal laws.
Used auto parts should be your best bet for the $ if you like
For the bulbs check and suspect flasher if light bulbs OK
good luck and again I AM SORRY ! :(
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Saturday, April 17th, 2010 AT 9:20 PM
Tiny
PARTNERSNTRUST
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Oh you can buy these thangs used oh ok lord I'm so scared they will come back but thanks for the info.I think that bulb thang is ok not sure where to find the flasher at. But thank you for your concerns.I live in detroit, michigan and its gotten so bad here with everyone out of work so they doing any and everything to get money. But thanks for the tips. Take care
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Saturday, April 17th, 2010 AT 10:20 PM

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