Check Engine Light, but only occasionally

[UMDSmith]

Haven't checked codes yet because it only goes on sometimes, only on startup, and usually goes off once the rpm's climb a little bit. Never stays on for longer then 15 seconds, and only happens maybe once every 30 startups.

I'm thinking o2 sensor, since I have no smog nor cats. Would this be a possibility, or will the computer save the code even when the light does not go on.

 

[stangbear427]

If it popped a code, then it's still in there. You may want to run them somewhere. If that isn't a great option, jrichker has a pretty redneck method of running them with a paperclip that several folks in here swear by. Don't remember what it is, I like my scan tools. He may have it posted on his site, or you could try the search.

 

[dromeda]

Yeah, the ECU will store the code for later retreval, better check it now before it becomes a problem. jrichker's site is jrichker.stangnet.com

 

[HISSIN50]

i would have posted a link to JR's post with code retrieval, but i cant get the search page to load where i can see it (i get a shifted page, leaving me with a blank page).
JR is pretty good about 'hearing' his name and posting the links. a repar manual should outline the testing too, and the paperclip method.
good luck.

 

[dromeda]

i would have posted a link to JR's post with code retrieval, but i cant get the search page to load where i can see it (i get a shifted page, leaving me with a blank page)..

You're getting that too? I thought my wireless connection was spazzing.

 

[HISSIN50]

You're getting that too? I thought my wireless connection was spazzing.

it is making me nuts. i cant get the front page of tech (or any others) to show. i can only get to SN from links in email notifications. i was gonna to to the feedback area and ask Mr. Raburn if the banner at the top of the page was messing stuff up. but i cant get to that (or any other) sub forum. aarrgghh.
thanks for letting me know it is not just me.

 

[UMDSmith]

Yeah I was getting it as well. I know the ole paperclick trick, used to use it on my 88 corsica. I'll pull the code and see what it is telling me. Thanks guys.

 

[jrichker]

As requested...

Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
OR
See http://www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html for more descriptive help
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/articles/electronics/eec-iv_codes.html

IF your car is an 88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is about $30 or so at Autozone or Walmart.