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Car Forum / Ford / Ford Trucks / November 2009

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Check Engine Light

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Tamiami - 06 Nov 2009 18:44 GMT
Greetings,

Has anyone else experienced this problem?  Whenever I get gas for my
2006 4 cylinder Ranger, the check engine light comes on shortly after
filling the tank to half-full.  I then disconnect the battery cable to
reset the light and all is well.  I've replaced the gas cap twice.  Weird.
Jeff Strickland - 06 Nov 2009 18:45 GMT
> Greetings,
>
> Has anyone else experienced this problem?  Whenever I get gas for my 2006
> 4 cylinder Ranger, the check engine light comes on shortly after filling
> the tank to half-full.  I then disconnect the battery cable to reset the
> light and all is well.  I've replaced the gas cap twice.  Weird.

You need to pull codes to find out why the light is coming on.

Odds suggest a problem with the cap not being properly secured, but pulling
codes would tell you. If the cap makes a ratchet noise (clicks) when you
tighten it all of the way, then turn some more, then you should have a habit
of turning the cap so that it clicks at least three times. If you do not
make the cap click, then it might not be tight, and the resulting leak would
trigger a code.
Tamiami - 06 Nov 2009 18:51 GMT
>> Greetings,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> make the cap click, then it might not be tight, and the resulting leak would
> trigger a code.

Thanks Jeff, but believe me when I say the cap is secure and the inner
seal is in great shape.
Jeff Strickland - 06 Nov 2009 19:08 GMT
>>> Greetings,
>>>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Thanks Jeff, but believe me when I say the cap is secure and the inner
> seal is in great shape.

Then you need to pull codes to find out why the light is coming on.

Lots of places pull codes for free. AutoZone formerly allowed you to use
their code reader, but I'm not sure if they still do this. It's worth it to
ask them. In some places, AutoZone employees would actually pull the codes
for you, nothing is easier than that. If you have to use the scan tool and
pull codes yourself, it is very easy.

There is a plug along the bottom of the dash board in the area where the
clutch pedal would be if you had a clutch -- even if you don't have a
clutch, the connector is in the same place. You plug the scan tool in, turn
the ignition to ON, but not START, and wait for the scan tool to list up the
codes.

The Evaporative Emissions Control System (the system affected by the gas
cap) will list a code in the range of P0440 thru P0456. Some of these codes
are electrical failures of solenoids and valves, but most of them describe
physical leaks.

If you can't find a place that pulls codes for free, for the cost of pulling
codes twice, you can buy a very nice scan tool that can be used on any '96
or later car or truck -- you can pull codes for a neighbor or relative some
day. I bought a scan tool for $120, but you can find them for about $90. I
found mine at an auto parts store, but you can get a very good unit brand
new on eBay and probably save a few dollars if you can wait for UPS to show
up at your house. I've seen them at Costco, and WalMart carries some.
PeterD - 07 Nov 2009 02:18 GMT
>Greetings,
>
>Has anyone else experienced this problem?  Whenever I get gas for my
>2006 4 cylinder Ranger, the check engine light comes on shortly after
>filling the tank to half-full.  I then disconnect the battery cable to
>reset the light and all is well.  I've replaced the gas cap twice.  Weird.

And when you put the scan tool on it, what DTCs did you get?
Jeff Strickland - 07 Nov 2009 02:27 GMT
>>Greetings,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> And when you put the scan tool on it, what DTCs did you get?

He didn't put the scan tool on. He assumes that since the light comes on
after getting gas, then that must be the problem so he replaced the gas cap
twice, and disconnects the battery to clear the code.
PeterD - 07 Nov 2009 12:35 GMT
>>>Greetings,
>>>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>after getting gas, then that must be the problem so he replaced the gas cap
>twice, and disconnects the battery to clear the code.

I know, it was a hint that he needed to do it! <bg>

Nothing beats shotgun replacement of parts, twice no less, without
even the slightest clue as to what's really wrong.
CH®IS - 07 Nov 2009 16:46 GMT
"Jeff Strickland" wrote...

>>>Greetings,
>>>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> after getting gas, then that must be the problem so he replaced the gas
> cap twice, and disconnects the battery to clear the code.

If disconnecting the battery clears the code, perhaps having it connected is
the problem.  I think that by leaving it disconnected that should clear up
any issues with the check engine light coming on. :)

- Chris
Jeff Strickland - 07 Nov 2009 17:49 GMT
> "Jeff Strickland" wrote...
>>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> - Chris

Just a guess here, but me thinks the ripple affect would be an even bigger
problem than a pesky light. Just a thought ...
PeterD - 07 Nov 2009 21:43 GMT
>> "Jeff Strickland" wrote...
>>>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>Just a guess here, but me thinks the ripple affect would be an even bigger
>problem than a pesky light. Just a thought ...

Well, there is that "only approved automotive use for black electrical
tape" technique...
Rowbotth - 07 Nov 2009 23:54 GMT
> "Jeff Strickland" wrote...
> >
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> - Chris

Good response!  Clean and deadly!

RYFM has been replaced by CYFC!

Ha!

H.
 
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