Engine Light On

[Vintage Merlot]

Started Bird yesterday and engine light is on. Book says emissions. Really don't want to take it to Ford. Is this something a good independent can deal with or is there something I can address?

[BillyL]

Check the gas cap seal first. Try coating the rubber gasket with some light grease and see if the light clears temporarily. That is the most likely culprit and easiest to fix. I found the motorcraft OEM replacement cap on Amazon. Yesterday was a good Tbird day in New Orleans, 82f and sunny. I had the top down myself.

[merlot4]

Mine has done that twice, and both times were solved by replacing the gas cap. What code(s) are shown when tested?

[Brad]

If you end up needing a part you can't find, let me know, I'm heading to NOLA next month and can probably bring you whatever you need. Emission systems are highly complex with many components. If the code points to a leak but you don't smell gas those are often cleared by driving the car more

[Howlandd]

Just FYI - most likely it is an oxy sensor. BTW to much ethanol in gas can cause the check engine light to come on. Won't hurt anything to just ignore it. Some have tried using Seabreze additive successfully.

[EllisonCal]

Check the gas cap seal first. Try coating the rubber gasket with some light grease and see if the light clears temporarily. That is the most likely culprit and easiest to fix. I found the motorcraft OEM replacement cap on Amazon. Yesterday was a good Tbird day in New Orleans, 82f and sunny. I had the top down myself.

Billy is probably right, Gas Cap. But buying a new one won't always solve the problem. NOS caps for our cars aren't "new" but they are "old" stock. I like the grease on the rubber seal idea!

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Dan meant 'SEA FOAM' I swear by it

[DavidA]

Try clearing the code and see if it comes back. It may be just a one time anomily.