ANOTHER "check engine" light ?

[fordktpjoe]

OK, I am not having any run problems at all. Nope. Nothing. Starts quickly, runs good, no issues....except one.

I have started getting a check engine light. Now, it NEVER comes on for more than 1 - 2 seconds, in fact, it stays on just exactly long enough for me to notice, and look at it and always goes right back out. Once it even just "Blinked" at me.

Nothing more than a minor annoyance at this point, was just wondering if you folks think there may be something major looming in the future?

Oh yeah, it's the 5.0, '90 model. And it's the yellow light, the one that actually says "CHECK ENGINE"

[sxcpotatoes]

You should probably invest in a scanner. Every time your "check engine" light comes on it'll save a 'trouble code' in the computer. With a scanner, you can pull the codes (they'll just be numbers) and then post them in here for help trouble shooting.

Actually, I need to buy a scanner, too. I've seen them on Ebay for not too expensive ($40 or so). Any suggestions people?

What one should I get for my '91 GM, and is it the same that fordktpjoe needs for his '90?

[Glen]

Get one that shows you the numbers, not that blinking light that you have to count. I have both, because I couldn't keep up with the blinking lights. I got mine from Advance Auto for under $40, I don't know the name of it right now. It is black and has a yellow label on it. I think they will work on anything 86 to 91.

I found it: quus Digital Code Reader: For Ford 1981-1995
Part Number: 3145 $29.95 at Advance Auto.

[fordktpjoe]

Oh, OK, I didn't know it stored them, I was always under the assumption that there was only a code when the light was on. That's why the mechanics used to say to bring it in while the light was on?

[87_crown_vic]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Equus-Innova-EPI-3145-OBD-1-Ford-Scan-Tool-Code-Reader_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQcategoryZ43989QQihZ004QQitemZ140210185839QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

that is the code reader. you plug it in to the wiring on driver front corner under the hood by the washer reservoir

[gadget73]

You don't neccesarily have to check it while the light is on. Once its come on at some point, it stores it. Actually there are a lot of codes that won't even set that light, so its not a really useful indicator of problems. Prior to 1989, they didn't even bother to install a CEL in these cars.