check engine light only in a certain left turn

[superspec]

there is a certain left turn in my daily drive to work that the CEL blinks in. the light blinks 1 time or maybe 2 times, just kinda depends on the day i guess. i thought that maybe i was just hitting the same turn in the same amount of time but i changed up my morning routin to see. no matter what the light flashes 3-4 days every week through this turn.

any idea why? ive also noticed in the past 2 tanks im losing roughly 25-30 miles between fill ups. my driving habits havent changed. normally i get 215-225 per 3/4 tank but the past 2 tanks ive only gotten 200-210 per full tank.

 

[NKau]

If the CEL light is flashing, it may be a good time to check the codes

 

[jrichker]

Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…Codes may be present in the computer even if the Check Engine light isn’t on.

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. You watch the flashing test lamp or Check Engine Light and count the flashes.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/

If your car is an 86-88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 86-88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

89 through 95 cars have a working Check Engine light. Watch it instead of using a test lamp.

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 Wal-Mart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/pc-7208-90-equus-digital-ford-code-reader-3145.aspx – It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $30.

 

[robertdale]

sounds like the ignition switch is loose and about to come apart. this is a common problem and a 12 dollar fix if that is your problem.

 

[superspec]

its just weird, it only does this in 1 turn. its no different than any other left hand turn.

so jricker, just jump the white/red wire to the black/white wire and then count the flashes on the CEL?

 

[jrichker]

its just weird, it only does this in 1 turn. its no different than any other left hand turn.

so jricker, just jump the white/red wire to the black/white wire and then count the flashes on the CEL?

You got it.

The flashes come in pairs. For example, 1 flash and then 2 flashes is 12, 3 flashes and then 4 flashes is 34. The perfect system flashes only 11.