2002 ford excursion service engine soon light

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Decoding the ford service engine soon light: troubleshooting tips and fixes.

Welcome to Mechanics News! In today’s article, we will be diving into a common issue that many Ford owners encounter—the “Service Engine Soon” light. This little indicator on your dashboard might seem like a cause for concern, but fear not! We will explore the various reasons behind this warning and provide you with practical solutions to resolve it. So, buckle up and get ready to uncover the mysteries of your Ford’s “Service Engine Soon” light. Let’s demystify this pesky little light together!

What does the Ford Service Engine Soon Light Mean?

The Ford Service Engine Soon light is an indicator that something is not functioning correctly in the vehicle’s engine system. When this light comes on, it is important to address the issue promptly to avoid potential damage or further complications.

It is crucial to understand that the Service Engine Soon light is different from the Check Engine light. While the Check Engine light signifies a specific fault code, the Service Engine Soon light is a more general indication of an issue.

Common Causes of the Service Engine Soon Light

There are several common reasons why the Ford Service Engine Soon light may illuminate:

• Faulty oxygen sensor: A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can lead to inaccurate readings and trigger the Service Engine Soon light.
• Loose or damaged gas cap: If the gas cap is not tightly sealed or is damaged, it can cause fuel vapors to escape and result in the illumination of the light.
• Worn-out spark plugs: Over time, spark plugs can become worn, leading to misfires and triggering the light.
• Issues with the catalytic converter: A failing catalytic converter can cause the Service Engine Soon light to come on, as it plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions.
• Low vehicle fluids: Insufficient levels of engine oil or coolant can cause the light to illuminate, indicating a need for topping up or addressing potential leaks.

What to do when the Service Engine Soon Light is on?

When the Ford Service Engine Soon light turns on, it is essential to take the following steps:

• Check for immediate issues: Assess if there are any noticeable problems with the vehicle’s performance or unusual sounds. If there are, it is advisable to safely pull over and seek professional assistance.
• Check the gas cap: Ensure that the gas cap is tightly sealed and undamaged. Tightening or replacing a faulty cap can solve the issue.
• Inspect fluid levels: Check the levels of engine oil, coolant, and other vital fluids. Top up if needed or address any leaks promptly.
• Visit a certified mechanic: If there are no immediate issues and the light remains illuminated, it is recommended to schedule an inspection with a qualified technician. They will use diagnostic tools to identify the specific problem causing the light to come on.

Can I drive with the Service Engine Soon Light on?

While it may be possible to drive with the Service Engine Soon light on, it is not advisable to ignore the issue. Continuing to drive without addressing the underlying problem could lead to more severe damage or even engine failure.

It is important to note that in some cases, the vehicle’s performance may be affected when the light is illuminated. It is best to err on the side of caution and have the issue investigated as soon as possible to prevent any further complications.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Service Engine Soon Light

Though some incidents triggering the Service Engine Soon light may be inevitable, there are preventive measures you can take:

• Maintain regular vehicle maintenance: Adhere to scheduled maintenance intervals, including oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug inspections.
• Address warning signs promptly: If you notice any unusual sounds, smells, or performance issues with your vehicle, have them checked by a professional to prevent potential system failures.
• Secure the gas cap: Ensure that the gas cap is tightly sealed after refueling to prevent fuel vapor leakage.
• Follow recommended driving habits: Avoid aggressive driving, excessive idling, and overloading the vehicle, as these behaviors can impact the engine’s health.

Machine fanatics ask

What does the “service engine soon” light mean in a ford vehicle.

The “Service Engine Soon” light in a Ford vehicle is an indication that there may be an issue with the engine or its related systems. It is a warning to have the vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

How do I diagnose the cause of the “Service Engine Soon” light in my Ford?

To diagnose the cause of the “Service Engine Soon” light in your Ford, you can use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the trouble codes. These codes will provide information about the specific issue that triggered the light. Once you have the codes, refer to the vehicle’s manual or online resources to determine the possible causes and necessary repairs .

Can I continue driving my Ford if the “Service Engine Soon” light is on?

Yes, you can continue driving your Ford if the “Service Engine Soon” light is on. However, it is important to have the vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and address any potential issues. Ignoring the warning light could lead to further damage or breakdown of the vehicle.

Are there any common issues that trigger the “Service Engine Soon” light in Ford vehicles?

Yes, there are several common issues that can trigger the “Service Engine Soon” light in Ford vehicles. These include problems with the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, mass airflow sensor, fuel cap, and spark plugs. It is important to have the vehicle diagnosed by a professional to determine the exact cause of the light being illuminated.

How much does it typically cost to repair the issue indicated by the “Service Engine Soon” light in a Ford?

The cost to repair the issue indicated by the “Service Engine Soon” light in a Ford can vary widely depending on the specific problem. It is recommended to bring the vehicle to a qualified mechanic for a diagnostic scan to determine the cause of the light and get an accurate estimate.

In conclusion, the Ford Service Engine Soon light is a crucial indicator that should never be ignored. As we have discussed in this article, this warning light serves as an early detection system for any potential issues with your vehicle’s engine. By promptly addressing the underlying problem, you can prevent further damage and costly repairs down the line. Remember, regular maintenance and prompt attention to the Service Engine Soon light are the keys to keeping your Ford running smoothly and efficiently. So, the next time this warning light illuminates on your dashboard, don’t panic, but rather take action and consult your trusted mechanic or Ford dealership.

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What Does The Service Engine Soon Light Mean?

• Updated: March 9, 2023

With so many dashboard warning lights on today’s cars, it’s important to know what each one means. The Service Engine Soon Light is one that should always be paid attention to, even if it’s only telling you that maintenance is due. In reality, you won’t know what it is alerting you about until you perform a complete diagnostic. 

In this guide, we look at the meaning of the Service Engine Soon light and its top causes. We also evaluate how to fix the alert and help you see the difference between the Service Engine Soon and Check Engine Lights. Towards the end of the article, we answer a few of your top questions, so you can take better care of your vehicle. 

The Service Engine Soon light indicates that it’s time for regular maintenance or repair. It’s used to alert you to a problem without causing serious alarm. Whatever has gone wrong is likely not severe, but it still requires your attention.

This warning light doesn’t have a picture attached to it. Instead, the words “SERVICE ENGINE SOON” appear on the dashboard. The letters are lit up with an amber-colored light. 

Service Engine Soon Vs. Check Engine Light

The differences between the two lights are how they look and the type of problem that occurs. When the Service Engine Soon light comes on, you know it’s time for regular maintenance or there’s a minor mechanical problem that requires your attention. The Service Engine Soon light is written out in words.

On the other hand, the Check Engine Light includes a picture that resembles a motor. With some models, you see the words “Check Engine” The problems associated with this warning include varying degrees of severity. With a solid Check Engine Light, there could be a mechanical problem that requires attention as soon as possible. This light also comes on for some minor problems that aren’t a big deal. 

When the Check Engine Light is blinking , it means catastrophic damage can occur if you keep driving, requiring you to pull over and turn the car off. You should never ignore the blinking light.

Causes Of Service Engine Soon Light

When the Service Engine Soon Light comes on, you know that it’s either time for regular maintenance or a fault needs to be corrected. Here are some of the most common causes of a service engine soon light:

1. Loose Or Faulty Gas Cap

If you’ve just filled up the tank, you may not have put the gas cap back in place. When the gas cap is loose, it sends a signal to the ECU, mimicking a leak in the system. This would be the simplest problem to rectify.

The same problem occurs if the gas cap gets cracked or broken. Additionally, if you leave the gas cap behind, the open system will cause a warning light on the dashboard. While there may not be any performance issues from driving without a gas cap, you want to have it fixed as soon as you can.

2. Low Fluid Level

Regular maintenance includes changing the fluid and flushing systems. Oil changes should occur every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on what type of oil you use. At the same time, the oil filter should be changed. Additionally, the coolant and transmission fluid should also have regular changes.

If one of these services is due or overdue, the warning light might appear on the dashboard. It’s not because the system knows when a fluid change is needed, but more likely because the old, contaminated fluid is leading to other problems. Reference the maintenance schedule to determine what is supposed to be done. 

3. Scheduled Service Overdue

The fluid changes aren’t the only maintenance tasks that should be performed. The manufacturer also outlines when air filters should be changed , spark plugs should be replaced, and brake pads should be checked.

Your Service Engine Soon light might come on as a reminder that service has been neglected. Again, it’s not because the system has an idea of when service should be performed, but it does recognize when problems are created as a result of neglect. For example, if you don’t change the spark plugs and one becomes fouled, the system is going to tell you that an issue is happening. 

4. Contaminated Gas

There’s no way of knowing if the gas at your local filling station is any good. For this reason, it’s possible that you put bad gas in your car . While it’s less possible when visiting a top-tier fuel station , it can still happen. Otherwise, you may have let the gas sit in the tank too long, where it can also go bad.

When the car has bad gas in it, the Service Engine Soon light can come on. You may also have trouble starting the engine or notice a rough idle . In extreme cases, there will be pinging sounds and the engine will stall. 

5. Faulty Engine Sensor

With the engine, there are multiple sensors designed to keep everything running efficiently. From the oxygen sensors to the mass airflow sensor, the ECU is constantly analyzing data and making adjustments. If one of these sensors fails, it’s possible that the Service Engine Soon light may come on.

Additionally, some cars have a Check Engine Light instead for these problems. For that reason, either light is possible with a defective sensor. 

How To Fix A Service Engine Soon Light

Once the Service Engine Light comes on, you want to make time to fix the problem as soon as possible. By neglecting the light, you could allow larger problems to manifest, thereby causing higher repair bills in the future.

With a few minutes, you can figure out what’s going on with your car. Here are some of our suggestions.

1. Check Gas Cap

If you’ve pulled away from the fuel station when the Service Engine Soon comes on, you should start by checking the gas cap. Pull over wherever it is safe and pop the gas cover. If the cap isn’t on tightly enough, secure it better and see if the light turns off.

If the cap is on tightly, but you notice cracks or imperfections, you will need to get a new cap. The same is true if the cap is missing. Thankfully, you shouldn’t need to spend more than around $10 to get a cap at an auto parts store . 

2. Check And Top Up Fluid Levels

The next step would be to take a look at all of the fluid levels. Start with the oil. Pull the dipstick and wipe it off with a clean rag. Pull it back out again to read the levels. If it’s low, add some oil. If the oil appears to be contaminated, you should perform a complete change with a new filter.

After checking the oil, move on to the other fluids. You should examine the level and condition of both the coolant and transmission fluid. If either of these appears to be low, add some compatible fluid to the reservoir. 

3. Read Trouble Codes

Whenever a fault is set in the ECU, codes are available to show you what’s wrong. With a compatible code scanner, you can read the DTCs to determine what’s going on. Plug your OBD-II scanner into the port located under the steering wheel.

Once you get the code, you can use our library to figure out what’s going on. We have a complete trouble code resource guide that shows you the meaning of the most common codes and outlines some possible fixes. 

4. Check Service History

Hopefully, you are tracking the service you’ve performed on your car and when. With this information, you should be able to easily tell what’s due based on the odometer reading now.

Perform everything that the manufacturer recommends for the specified interval that you are at. While these services may not turn off the light, it’s important to keep up with the schedule to keep the vehicle in good running condition. 

5. Contact A Professional

Not everyone should attempt to fix the Service Engine Soon light on their own. If you don’t have a lot of expertise or you lack the equipment needed for diagnostics, it may be best to visit an auto repair shop instead.

Shop around the local professionals in your area. Ask what their experience is and evaluate the labor rates . You don’t need to visit the dealership and pay the higher prices unless you prefer to do business with these shops. 

Can I drive with the service engine soon light on?

When any warning light comes on the dashboard, you should take it seriously. While the Service Engine Soon light isn’t normally anything major, you still want to deal with it as soon as possible. Any neglect could lead to bigger repair problems that could also mean higher costs. 

Is the service engine soon light serious?

Most of the time, the Service Engine Soon light isn’t anything severe. The only way to know for sure is with your compatible code scanner. You don’t want to ignore the warning or parts could break, causing you even more trouble and higher repair bills. 

Can service engine soon light turn off on its own?

The only way to get the light off for good is to repair the problem causing the code. Once the fault is repaired, you can clear the code with your scanner. It should remain off. If it doesn’t, you need to re-read the codes to see what’s wrong with the system.

Can an oil change cause a service engine soon light?

Your car needing an oil change isn’t enough to turn on the Service Engine Soon light. However, the problems that come from neglecting an oil change can make the light come on. If the oil filter is clogged and the pressure is low, the light may alert you to the issue, giving you time to resolve it. 

It’s always alarming to see a warning light on the dashboard. The good news is that you don’t normally need to panic over the Service Engine Soon light. While you should take care of the problem as soon as you can, there’s no reason to pull over on the side of the road. Instead, drive carefully back to your home and start diagnosing the problem for a quick repair.

If you choose to neglect the Service Engine Soon light, you can expect bigger problems to arise. A minor problem can lead to failure in other areas, with parts that could be expensive. An example of this is when you drive with bad spark plugs . This simple $100 fix could easily turn into $2,000 if the fouled plugs damage the catalytic converter. Take care of your car and it will provide you with more years of service. 

Learn more:

• Check Engine Light After Oil Change – Causes & How to Fix
• How to Change the Oil in Your Car (5 Easy Steps)
• 11 Car Maintenance Tips (Extend the Life of Your Car)

Categories: Troubleshooting , Warning Lights

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Service Engine Soon Light: Meaning, Causes and Fixes

Most modern cars are controlled by the ECM (Electronic Control Module) linked to multiple vehicle sensors . These sensors control and monitor the performance of your vehicle’s myriad systems and components to optimal performance. The ECM sends you an alert via backlit symbols like the service engine soon light on your vehicle’s dashboard whenever there is a subpar performance.

So what does this light indicate? Should you be scared? Is it something that you can handle yourself? How long can you drive when you notice this particular light? Should you get a tune-up ? All these questions are bound to arise, especially if you haven’t experienced such issues before.

This article will provide relevant answers to your questions about this particular alert from your car’s sensors. Read on to find them.

What Does the Service Engine Light Mean?

The “service engine soon” light appears when your car’s ECM has identified a potential problem with your vehicle’s engine. And as the name suggests, it is a soft reminder that you need to service your car’s engine soon.

The “service engine soon” light is quite easy to identify. Depending on your car’s model, it could be displayed as “service due” or “check engine soon” in either red or yellow colors. There are several reasons why your vehicle might display this symbol. Here are some of them:

Read Also: What Does Change Engine Oil Soon Warning Light Mean

Vehicle Service Alert

Your vehicle needs routine maintenance to keep it functioning optimally. It is often best to implement this maintenance after a given amount of time, mileage, or usage. You are bound to see the service engine soon light once your vehicle is due for its routine service check.

Fuel-filler Cap Issues

Your vehicle’s ECM will be quick to detect when the fuel cap has gone bad or is simply faulty. The fuel cap serves to keep the fuel tank airtight. When there are issues, the tank is no longer airtight; there could be a drop in mileage or increased emissions. The ECM detects these changes the indicator light is triggered.

Your vehicle needs engine oil for the lubrication of the engine’s components. The oil levels have to be at an optimal level for the engine to perform at its best. When the oil level is below the optimal level the oil pressure drops. The ECM detects the drop in oil pressure, and the indicator light goes on.

Spark Plug Issues

Your vehicle’s spark plugs are another reason why the service engine soon light on your dashboard might come up. The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. Faulty spark plugs will cause issues like poor acceleration, misfiring, starting problems, and increased fuel consumption. In some severe cases, your car won’t start. Once any of these issues are detected by the car’s sensors, the service engine soon light is triggered.

Oxygen Sensor Issues

Your car’s oxygen sensors are responsible for keeping the air-fuel mixture at an optimal level. It keeps tabs on the amount of oxygen and relays this data to the ECM. A problem with the oxygen sensors often leads to an imbalance in the air-fuel ratio, leading to poor engine performance, increased emissions, and high fuel consumption . Any of these problems are enough to prompt the Infiniti service engine soon light (for example) to go on.

 Mass Air Flow Sensor Problems

The mass air flow sensor monitors how much fuel should be pumped to the vehicle’s engine based on the amount of air that the engine receives. When this sensor goes bad, it no longer relays this information to the ECM, and the car starts to experience certain problems. Some of the problems that might trigger the service engine soon light include hard starts, stalling, rough idling, and acceleration issues.

Catalytic Converter Issues

Your car is fitted with a catalytic converter that detoxifies the harmful chemicals released into the environment when the engine burns petrol or diesel. Although this component is built to last, it can wear off after a while leading to a drop in engine performance and an increase in temperature. Any of these two issues are enough to make the service engine light indicator come on.

Now that you know the service engine soon meaning, let’s look at what you can do about it when you see it on your instrument cluster.

Read Also: Service Airbag Light – Meaning, Diagnosis, and Fixes

How Do You Check A Service Engine Light?

It is possible to check your service engine light when it comes on. The first step would be to go through the vehicle’s owner’s manual for some tips on some of the problems that could trigger the indicator light to come on. If you can’t lay your hands on the manual, here are some tips that should come in handy

Take A Look At Your Fuel Cap: A faulty or loose fuel cap can trigger the indicator light.

Use The Car’s On-Board Diagnostic: Most modern vehicles come with integrated remote diagnostic capabilities that enable them to provide trouble codes. All you need is to use an OBD scanner (the OBD II scanner is a great choice that works with your vehicle). You could also get a Bluetooth-enabled OBD scanner that lets you monitor error codes from your phone.

Once you have an OBDII scanner, plug it into your car. There is an interface located somewhere in your car where you plug the OBD scan tool. Depending on the model of your car, the interface could be located under the driver’s seat, on the left-hand side of your dashboard, or near the engine.

After connecting the tool, please switch it on, and the car’s ECM will provide the necessary error codes.

Read Also: What Does it Mean When My Car Says Service Safety Restraint System?

How Do I Fix My Service Engine Soon?

There are two options to go about fixing the service engine soon issue. You could take the DIY route or get professional help.

The DIY Route

You should only take this option if you are confident about your DIY skills, or else you run the risk of compounding issues. If you decide that you have the skill and time, then here are some suggestions on how to fix the service engine soon issue yourself:

Check Your Fuel Cap

Once you have detected the “service engine soon” light, turn off the engine and take off the fuel cap. Take a good look at it to ascertain that it is not faulty before tightening it back again. Once the fuel cap is tightly fixed, start the engine once more and check if the indicator light comes on.

Drive around for a bit, and if it is still on, then you might need to get a replacement. Thankfully, fuel caps are not one of the more expensive car parts , so you can get one without boring a hole in your pocket.

Ascertain the Oil Levels

To do this, you will have to turn off your vehicle’s engine before checking the engine bay to check the engine oil level. A good guide would be your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Check the level of the engine oil once you have located the dipstick.

If you look closely, you should find the marker for the minimum level of oil needed. If the level is below the recommended level, then you should top up the engine oil. Once you have done that, start the car to check if the indicator light is still on.

Use The Car’s On-Board Diagnostic

To use the car’s on-board diagnostic to fix the issue, follow the steps you followed in checking for the service light. Once you have gotten the codes, use the “erase” function on the scanner to remove the code. You then disconnect the OBD tool before starting the car to find out if the indicator light is still on.

If the indicator light still stays on after both steps, then you should track down the listed faults on the OBDII scan tool, or get professional assistance.

Getting Professional Help

This is the best option for someone who does not have the DIY skills to fix the issues themselves. Or perhaps you have tried to fix the issues yourself, but the situation does not change.

Many good, seasoned mechanics near you can fix the service engine soon, lights staying on. The downside is this option is going to cost you a bit more. However, if you can afford the extra costs, they are the better option because you will be getting quality services guaranteed to handle the underlying issues professionally.

Read: Service Emission System – What Does It Mean & How to Fix It

Q: Is Service Engine Soon Bad?

Not exactly, the service engine soon light flashing is simply an indication that something is wrong. Noticing the indicator lights coming on does not necessarily mean that your car will be packing up in the next few seconds. A range of issues can trigger the indicator light, but none of them is a dire situation.

Q: How Urgent Is The Service Engine Soon Light?

The “service engine soon” light is designed to warn you that the car’s sensor system has detected an issue with your vehicle’s performance. It is not an indication of an emergency. You can take it as a soft reminder to service your engine soon. While the issues might be minor ones, it is in your best interest to fix them ASAP before they degenerate to worse conditions like engine sludge , for instance.

Q: What Is the Difference between A Check Engine Light And A Service Engine Soon Light?

Both of these symbols are used interchangeably because, in some cars, it is one or the other. However, there is a mild difference in what they do. The service engine soon light comes on there are mild issues with the way your engine is functioning.

On the flip side, when you see the check engine light , an immediate concern needs to be fixed ASAP. The check engine often comes on when your vehicle has any of the common engine problems .

Q: Can I Drive With The Service Engine Soon Light On?

Yes, you can. The service engine light lets you know that there are minor issues with the car and that you should service the engine as soon as you can. It is not an indication of an extreme situation so that you can drive with the light on.

However, you should not drive if you notice any of the other backlit symbols being on simultaneously with the “service engine soon” light being on. Say the “check oil” or “check engine” indicator. It would be best if you have the vehicle checked once you see any of these indicator lights.

Q: Can Low Oil Cause Service Engine Soon Light?

Yes, it can. Your vehicle needs engine oil for the lubrication of the engine’s components. The oil levels have to be at an optimal level for the engine to perform at its best. When the oil is below its optimal level the oil pressure drops. The ECM detects the drop in oil pressure, and the indicator light goes on.

Q: Can Spark Plugs Cause Service Engine Soon Light?

Your vehicle’s spark plugs are another reason why the service engine soon light on your dashboard might come up. The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. Faulty spark plugs will cause issues like poor acceleration, misfiring, starting problems, and increased fuel consumption. In some cases, the engine might not even start. Once any of these issues are detected by the car’s sensors, the service engine soon light is triggered.

The presence of the “service engine soon light” is not the end of the world. It is simply an indication that you need to handle some minor issues that may have come up one way or the other. Although it is not a dire situation, you should get the issues fixed as soon as possible.

To do that, you could either go the DIY route using some of the tips we described in the article. You could also opt to get professional help. Whatever option you decide to take, resolve the issues before it degenerates into something worse.

Learn More:

• Motor Vehicle Service Notification: Is It A Scam or Not?
• Fuel Induction Service: All that you Need to Know
• What causes Engine Misfire: Symptoms, Diagnosing, and Fixing

Osuagwu Solomon

Osuagwu Solomon is a certified mechanic with over a decade of experience in the mechanic garage, and he has over five years of experience in the writing industry. He started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics. If he is not in the garage fixing challenging mechanical problems, he is writing automotive repair guides, buyer’s guides, and car and tools comparisons.

One thought on “ Service Engine Soon Light: Meaning, Causes and Fixes ”

Hello, my check gas light came on so I checked open and closed it the light turned off. Later on my engine light came on. What can be the issue.? I got a full tune up 4 notes ago.

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A check engine light can indicate a broad spectrum of problems with your 2002 Ford Excursion. If you have a flashing check engine light, turn off the engine immediately to prevent potential motor damage. Whereas a steady check engine light may mean you merely need to tighten you gas cap next time you stop in order to reset the service engine soon light. The video above shows how to locate the on board diagnostics OBD plug location on your 2002 Excursion, how to read the trouble codes and how to reset or clear the check engine light using a scanner on your Excursion.

Is it OK to drive with a check engine light on? Intermittent Check Engine Light: If the check engine light on your 2002 Excursion is not steady, try to take note of the conditions when this happens. For example, does it happen when you accelerating, driving on the highway or does it appear at low speeds? This will help your mechanic evaluate the issue. Steady Check Engine Light: If your check engine light is on every time you operate your Excursion, you need to have it checked as soon as possible, especially if you notice performance problems or unusual noises. Flashing Check Engine Light: If your check engine light is flashing, stop driving your Excursion and have it towed to your nearest mechanic – a blinking check engine light means you probably have a very serious problem with your car and you risk ruining your engine by driving it. If you are unsure about what your diagnostic trouble codes mean after finding the Excursion OBD port location and scanning the codes; have your Excursion diagnosed by a professional automotive technician.

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SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT HOW TO RESET?

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can the service engine soon light be reset without special equipment? 2001 psd 7.3 excursion 4X4  

It depends upon what caused the light to be set. If it was a condition that no longer exists, or has been removed (such as a performance chip), the resident memory capacitors can be discharged by disconnecting the batteries for a period of time. You can speed up the process after the batteries have been disconnected and short the positive lead to the negative lead, making sure that all four of the connections are removed from the battery terminals before shorting the leads.  

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Ford Expedition : Service Engine Soon Light → Diagnosis

Your Ford Expedition ‘s service engine soon light is there to let you know that some sort of problem has been detected with the vehicle. Any vehicles made in 1996 or newer use OBDII codes, which can easily be retrieved from a good code scanner. A flashing service engine soon light is telling you that something needs immediate attention.

If your service engine soon light is on, you’ll need to pull these trouble codes to see what is wrong with your Expedition . The trouble codes don’t even necessarily mean that there is an engine problem. There could be a problem with the transmission, ABS, oxygen sensors, etc…

Getting Your Expedition ‘s Service Engine Soon Codes

In order to pull these codes from your Expedition , you’re going to need a diagnostic scanner . You can pick one up pretty inexpensively. Or, you can head to the local auto parts store. Most of them will be happy to hook a code scanner up and tell you why the service engine soon light is on, and provide you with the code number.

Once you have this information, then you can look into what is involved in fixing it. This site has an article for most of the popular trouble codes, such as P0300 , P0171 , P0420 , etc. There are plenty of great articles and videos out there online to help you make repair decisions once you actually have the code.

You’ll see what typically causes the particular code to pop up, and what it would take to fix it. At that point you can determine whether or not it is in your realm of mechanical expertise to attempt the repair, or if you’ll need to throw in the towel and take it into a shop. Without these codes, you are truly in the dark.

How to Turn Off Your Expedition ‘s Service Engine Soon Light

The only way that you are going to be able to turn off the service engine soon light is to return your Ford Expedition to normal working order. There are no shortcuts. But, it may be worth taking a look at the gas cap. If it wasn’t screwed in tight, or seems to have a bad seal, tightening it and driving for a while may turn off the check engine light.

Can You Drive Your Expedition with the Check Engine Light On?

It is ok to drive with the check engine light on. Although, you should still have your Expedition repaired as soon as possible. It is NOT OK to drive it when the service engine soon light is flashing. A flashing light is letting you know that something is so wrong that continued vehicle operation can lead to permanent damage.

Make sure to check the oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid levels. Low oil can cause some trouble codes to flash related to VVT. You don’t want the engine to lock up. If you find that one of these fluids is super low, fill them up and take it into a shop and have the issue addressed right away.

Your Expedition ‘s service engine soon light should not keep you from driving, but it also shouldn’t be ignored (unless flashing). Get those OBDII codes as soon as possible so you know what you are dealing with, and can make a decision on how to repair it. If there is anything that you would like to add, please feel free to leave a comment below. Good luck!

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2002 Ford Expedition - service engine soon light came on. I went to Autozone for them to read the codes...it came back O2 sensors, ignition misfire, and fuel injector problem. Ocassionally, I will have white smoke coming from the exhaust, but after the car warms up it stops. Not sure what the problem really is. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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• Ford Master 22,516 Answers
• Posted on Jan 12, 2010

White smoke is condensation in teh exhaust ,this is normal,the computer is just telling you it will need a service soon because the mileage is coming up and the computer reads it ,if it runs ok then leave well alone just have it serviced and ask garage to reset the light

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engine light on 2002 Excursion

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I own a 2002 excursion diesal 7.3L with 1300000 on it. I love my "beast" I was driving home from work and it was acting up. A little bumpy and jumpy. The engine light came on. I do not have a mechanic that I like for diesels. any ideas on what is wrong and where to take it to in the boise idaho area? Thank you -:dunno:  

list of mods. and maybe a little more description would help. oh and 130,000 miles right :thumb:  

Mods? i think this is modifications and there are none. Yea the fingers got wild on the zeros!!! (what other info do you need? And yes I am a female!!!!) Thanks so much.  

With no modifications to the truck, did the check engine light go off after a while. Or did it stay on until you shut the truck off. When you started the truck back up did the check engine light stay lit. Have you had the recall done for the Cam Position Sensor. If not I would start there. Besides that you need to pull the codes using an OBDII scanner. The scanner must be able to pull codes from OBDII exempt vehicles. I say this because although our trucks are equipped with the OBDII system. They are exempt because they are diesel. OBDII stands for On Board Diagnostic 2nd generation. This is used on 96-present vehicles. OBDI was used on 95 and prior years. Although some late 95 models will have OBDII on them.  

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Service Engine Soon light

• Thread starter djhl
• Start date Jun 25, 2018

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• Jul 2, 2018

Two things have happened. Rechecked gas cap and realized it was not "clicking". Worked on it and it now clicks when turning after inserting it. 2nd - had to disconnect battery for another reason and then light was out. It never did "blink"' just was on steady. Have driven car about 5 times locally and light stays out, car accels good, runs smoothly as far as I can feel. Light continues to stay out. Here on island auto parts stores will not do scanner/reader check as apparently is done on mainland. Am buying scanner, doing homework, and will do check myself soon.  

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SES = "check engine" = EMISSIONS FAULT Get the codes read, then depending on what it is and whether your state has smog/inspections, either fix or ignore  

• Jul 7, 2018

SES light "saga" continues. After 6-7 times running car w/ no light, it reappeared - steady. Had gotten code reader, done homework and it showed just one (was pleased with that) DTC, a 0455 which per my book says - "EVAP emission control system leak detected (no purge flow or large leak)" . As I understand the car, this seems consistent with the gas cap not sealing (clicking) properly. Question to you guys who know - this malfunction isn't doing any "near term" harm the engine?? I intend to keep looking into it, just want to make sure I got a little time. Have ordered a gas cap - has to come from "off island". Thanks  

• Jul 10, 2018

Mine came on and code said emissions.  

• Jul 11, 2018

Trainmaster

Old school member.

The EVAP system captures evaporated gas vapors from the tank and stores them to be burned later. Your truck checks that the system is tight and can hold a vacuum each time you drive. If it finds a leak, it will give you that code. If the leak is huge, it may affect the idle quality or the mileage. Most small leaks woun't affect anything. To diagnose the leak, shops use a smoke generator, fill the system with smoke and look for a leak. Check all your vacuum hoses, especially the ones near the fuel tank. Look for a small cracked hose or rusted out vapor line between the tank and engine and in the engine bay. Of course a defective gas cap can also cause this code. Diving it with a small vapor leak woun't cause you any troubles. You just don't want a rough running engine due to a gross vacuum leak. The system's all environmental nonsense anyway.  

johnboneske

You need to get a smoke machine. Worked wonders for me! I searched and searched for a hole or puncture in my lines and found nothing. Hooked up a smoke machine and it found it in less than 2 minutes. Replaced the rubber hose and has been perfect since... https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/282339070632  

Appreciate the advice given. Have replaced gas cap. Driven car on a couple of highway trips. Book says three such driving cycles are needed to put out light,. Am waiting to see. Meanwhile took advice and inspected system as best I could by crawling under back end and looking & feeling area by gas fill port and over to gas tank. Could find nothing obviously wrong. Had to do with car on ground. To make a joke, its much easier to get down than get up. Hard line up to front goes inside frame about midway so could not get to it there. But up at front found something that might be wrong. At that valve (VBV, I think) there are two male ports, one receives that hard line (with a short piece of rubber line) from back of car and other has rubber line over to engine. Line to engine seemed newer and had no clamps at either end, unlike other line from back of car. But that line to engine felt very tight at both ends. Certainly could not pull it off with any moderate level of force. The valve has a 90degree plastic fitting at each port with the input and output rubber lines hooked up to those fittings. The green colored one (line over to engine) seemed loose. Couldn't move the other. And maybe green one wasn't as far up the valve port as the other. Very hard to see. There was some funky looking latch/keeper (?) at end of fittings closest to the valve body. Is this some release device? The fittings can't screw on as they would hit each other. Will look to get/rent some sort of smoke machine. This gives me reason to get away from house projects.  

Anyone with knowledge of the valve and the 90 degree fitting and keeper?  

• Jul 12, 2018

Are you talking about the valve/solenoid that's on the firewall, with a green service port that has a Schrader valve?  

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