CHECK ENGINE Light at 28,000 miles

[Milenko]

It could be a million things.

I suggest taking it to an auto zone and have them pull the code for free, they'll tell you exactly what it is and what needs fixing...screw the dealer.

edit..gotta love how the mirror puts my post above yours.

 

[NYStang2002]

I do routine maintenence and try to keep my car tip top but the check engine light went on yesterday. Whats usually the first thing that goes that causes the check engine light to go on? Maybe it's something I can fix? I know if I take it to the dealer i'm going to get gang raped by the service dept.

 

[NasaGT]

Aren't you still under warranty?

 

[NYStang2002]

Aren't you still under warranty?

Yes but i'm afraid with my mods my warranty is VOID.

 

[DoubleONegative]

when did you put on your X-pipe??

 

[satter_m]

I do routine maintenence and try to keep my car tip top but the check engine light went on yesterday. Whats usually the first thing that goes that causes the check engine light to go on? Maybe it's something I can fix? I know if I take it to the dealer i'm going to get gang raped by the service dept.

The first thing you ALWAYS check when your Check Engine light comes on is if your gas cap is screwed on properly and tightly. If not, that automatically triggers it. In fact, read the gas cap, it says the light will come on if not properly placed. If that's the case, then fix the cap and it will correct itself in a couple days. If the gas cap is fine, then go get the codes read at Auto Zone.

 

[NYStang2002]

when did you put on your X-pipe??

Almost 2 years ago...i doubt the x-pipe is the issue it's been running fine all along.

 

[03gtmustang]

When did you put the pullies on? Do like everyone else said, go to Autozone and get the codes pulled for free, DO NOT go back to your dealer or any other dealer!

 

[Ryan02Stang]

Get the code pulled and let us know...

 

[NYStang2002]

When did you put the pullies on? Do like everyone else said, go to Autozone and get the codes pulled for free, DO NOT go back to your dealer or any other dealer!

Personally I think its an evil plot from ford....this is my 3rd new ford I purchased in a row and every time the warranty is about to expire this problem happens. I think they might have something programed to happen on purpose this cant be coincedence. I installed the pullies in october 03....i'm going to autozone today...ill keep you guys updated

 

[NYStang2002]

Went to Autozone and had them pull the codes: "P0401 EGR Flow Insufficient"

The guy told me that it was either the EGR Valve and or Sensor might need cleaning or replacement.

Anyone know if this part is easy to replace? Where is it located? Do I need to go to the dealer to buy it? If I can do it myself I will. Thanks in advance.

 

[NYStang2002]

Never mind guys I just did a search and found where the EGR Valve is loacted, it's to the right next to the plenum. I went to my car to look it over and i see visible damage where the green line goes into the rubber peice, looks burned and the line is exposed. I think Ill be able to fix this myself.

 

[NYStang2002]

Porblem temporarily fixed! reconnected the green line to the burned rubber peice that connects it to the EGR Valve. Turned on the car, Service Engine light still on So I disconnected the battery for 5 minutes then reconnected VOILA! No more light! All I need to order from ford is the rubber peice that burned it can't be no more than a few bucks. I can only imagine if I took my car to the dealer how much they would charge me Thanks for the suggestions guys!

 

[Milenko]

You're lucky it was so easy Glad to see it worked.

 

[NYStang2002]

I called the ford dealer and the a$$wipe at the parts dept told me that I had to purchase the entire EGR valve for $85. God only knows if i would have been able to install that myself. All I needed was the rubber vacuum elbow that connects the green hose to the EGR valve. I went to Autozone again and purchased an assortment of vacuum elbows for $2.99 and fixed the problem permanenty.

At the dealer:

parts $85
labor $75 per hour 1 hour
tax @ 8.28
total RIPOFF: at least $173.20

all they would probably have done was the same as me but charge me up the whazoo.

 

[twogts4us]

I love the storys with happy endings!!! NICE!

 

[fourwindsoh]

Some people said in this thread never take it to the dealer. This is true, don't, unless it is under warranty. My Mustang has a 36,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty. Everything is covered, and don't worry about the aftermarket parts you installed. They'll fix it for free. If in the unusual case they said they can't fix a problem because you've 'voided the warranty', it doesn't mean the warranty is not effective from that day forward. If you have a problem in the future that could not possibly have been affected by the aftermarket part, they will cover it.

In any case, I would first go to Autozone to get the code.

My case was an O2 sensor wire. First, it said 'O2 Sensor' in the computer. They replaced that. It still didn't work. They replaced the wire and it worked. Luckily, I took it to them. They found a serious pinion seal leak also and fixed it.

-Andy