99' svt check engine light

I just bought a 99 contour svt and everything was working perfectly until after the first week. The check engine light came on. The car still drives perfectly, so I have no idea why this light is coming on. I dont hear any strange noises coming from the car, and I don't drive it wrecklessly. I realize that the check engine light provides a code as to what the problem is, and I won't find out the code until I take the car in. The problem is, I will not have the time to take the car in to get it checked out for a while. If I am driving this car to work everyday with the engine light on, is there a chance I could be causing more damage to the engine or to any other part of the car?

chances are its just an 02 sensor. Generally, thats what it always is. If you like, you can disconnect the battery and reconnect and the code will be cleared.

if you disconnect the battery the code will be erased until the o2 sensor reaches the threash hold were it will throw the code agian. and it will also tell the (p.c.m) to change the fuel mixture and you will not be runing as good either. just replace it.

[QUOTE=myconsvt]if you disconnect the battery the code will be erased until the o2 sensor reaches the threash hold were it will throw the code agian. and it will also tell the (p.c.m) to change the fuel mixture and you will not be runing as good either. just replace it.[/QUOT


I also bought a used 99 Contour and encountered the same problem. Found out that it was caused by the the gas cap. Ford did not label this car or make mention in the manual that you have to turn the gas cap until you hear at least three clicks. They did not charge me since they did not advise customers and indicated that any future service calls on that code would be charged.

Hope this helps

Autozone will pull the code for free. Have that done and come back here and we can give you a better idea of whats wrong.

O2 sensors on ford hardly ever go bad although anything gives you a code for it. O2 lean means a vacuum leak. O2 rich is probably a sensor. You really need the code but I would not suggest replacing the sensor unless you have a "O2 heater malf" code.