1997 F150 computer glitch?

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Jim Beaver - 10 Mar 2006 02:18 GMT

I took my recently purchased 1997 Ford F150 in for a California smog check.
It failed, although the emission levels were good. The failure was due to
two items on the truck's computer system reading wrong. (The Check Engine
light is on.) Examination by several mechanics has suggested that all
that's in order is a reset of the onboard computer, and that nothing
ACTUALLY is wrong. However, I've been getting quotes from $400 to $750 to
straighten out the problem. Is this typical and is there a cheaper way
around it? I can't finish registering the truck until I get a clear smog
certificate, which I can't get until this computer glitch is resolved. Any
ideas? I'm in the L.A. area.

Jim Beaver

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Lawrence - 10 Mar 2006 16:15 GMT

Pull the battery cable for a few minutes to clear the computer. Reconnect
everything and let the vehicle do its relearn cycle. If the light comes on
again then get the codes read and see what fault they are pointing to.

Cheers,
Lawrence

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E. BOROWICZ - 11 Mar 2006 00:40 GMT

> Pull the battery cable for a few minutes to clear the computer. Reconnect
> everything and let the vehicle do its relearn cycle. If the light comes on
> again then get the codes read and see what fault they are pointing to.
>
> Cheers,
> Lawrence

Or, Leave California

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Jim Beaver - 16 Mar 2006 09:16 GMT

Finally -- FINALLY -- resolved this. Did the disconnect battery thing,
cleared the computer, but within seven miles, the check engine light was
back on. Repeated process, same results. Took the truck to five different
mechanics, each of which wanted between $450 and $750 to diagnose and repair
the problem. Finally, I took the truck to my oil-change guy, who read the
codes, replaced the spark plugs and the fuel filter. The check engine light
went off and stayed off, and after driving 30 miles to reset the computer, I
took the truck in for its smog check. It passed, and no code problems
showed up. Mission accomplished. Total cost for the actual repairs: $145.

Jim Beaver

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Jim Beaver - 17 Mar 2006 03:54 GMT

>> Pull the battery cable for a few minutes to clear the computer. Reconnect
>> everything and let the vehicle do its relearn cycle. If the light comes
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> It passed, and no code problems showed up. Mission accomplished. Total
> cost for the actual repairs: $145.

Except now it's unresolved again. Fifty miles later, the Check Engine light
is back on. No codes, just the light. Damn. At least it passed the smog
check.

Jim Beaver

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