Engine Lt. on
ladymikey
01-05-2009, 06:04 PM
i have a 2001 windstar the engine lt. is on or the emmisions lt. whatever the correct name.also the od lt.starts flasing sometimes for a minute or more whether driveing or not.anyone else have this problem?
wiswind
01-05-2009, 08:08 PM
O/D light flashing is a transmission issue.
Of course the first 2 things to look at there are the Transmission Range Sensor also called "Neutral Safety Switch".
It is a known high failure item.....sits on top of the transmission and is relatively easy to change.
The shift lever connects to it with a cable.
The other thing to check is the transmission fluid.
The level, age (it needs to be changed AT LEAST every 30K miles), and making sure that the correct fluid was put in during any service.
A well equiped shop, transmission shop or dealer can read the transmission codes.
If you do this, get the actual numeric code as you can search for information on that much better than a description.
This is not a code that can usually be read with the generic OBDII code readers at the local auto part store.
For the Check Engine Light, this means that a failure was detected and a code has been stored.
You can get these (check engine light) codes read at most auto part stores for FREE.
AGAIN it is super important to get the actual numeric code.
It is important to find out what is causing these problems as some problems can cause more damage if you continue to drive the vehicle.
Also important is the fact that you don't want to be left stranded
A common Check Engine Light code is P0171 and / or P0174. DO NOT let them talk you into new oxygen sensors for this code.
This is not usually a code that will ruin your vehicle if you dont' get it fixed right away......most common cause is a vaccum leak.
The Check Engine Light will stay lit for a while after the problem has been solved.
When the computer detects a problem....it keeps the light lit and the code stored for a while in order to give one a chance to diagnose the problem.
After a certain number of "drive cycles" without a problem, the computer will turn the light off.
You might get lucky and find that the code for the engine (CEL) points to the problem that the transmission was upset about.
OK, I just read your profile....and you are in Canada.
I do not know if you can get the codes read at auto part stores up there.
However, I would get the codes read....you may know someone at work who has a code reader (I often do that for folks at work).
Just ask around for someone who knows about cars....likely if they do much of their own work....they have a generic code reader.......as they read all the generic OBDII codes on any car made in 1996 or later.
Of course most ANY repair shop will be able to read them.
Of course the first 2 things to look at there are the Transmission Range Sensor also called "Neutral Safety Switch".
It is a known high failure item.....sits on top of the transmission and is relatively easy to change.
The shift lever connects to it with a cable.
The other thing to check is the transmission fluid.
The level, age (it needs to be changed AT LEAST every 30K miles), and making sure that the correct fluid was put in during any service.
A well equiped shop, transmission shop or dealer can read the transmission codes.
If you do this, get the actual numeric code as you can search for information on that much better than a description.
This is not a code that can usually be read with the generic OBDII code readers at the local auto part store.
For the Check Engine Light, this means that a failure was detected and a code has been stored.
You can get these (check engine light) codes read at most auto part stores for FREE.
AGAIN it is super important to get the actual numeric code.
It is important to find out what is causing these problems as some problems can cause more damage if you continue to drive the vehicle.
Also important is the fact that you don't want to be left stranded
A common Check Engine Light code is P0171 and / or P0174. DO NOT let them talk you into new oxygen sensors for this code.
This is not usually a code that will ruin your vehicle if you dont' get it fixed right away......most common cause is a vaccum leak.
The Check Engine Light will stay lit for a while after the problem has been solved.
When the computer detects a problem....it keeps the light lit and the code stored for a while in order to give one a chance to diagnose the problem.
After a certain number of "drive cycles" without a problem, the computer will turn the light off.
You might get lucky and find that the code for the engine (CEL) points to the problem that the transmission was upset about.
OK, I just read your profile....and you are in Canada.
I do not know if you can get the codes read at auto part stores up there.
However, I would get the codes read....you may know someone at work who has a code reader (I often do that for folks at work).
Just ask around for someone who knows about cars....likely if they do much of their own work....they have a generic code reader.......as they read all the generic OBDII codes on any car made in 1996 or later.
Of course most ANY repair shop will be able to read them.
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