Check engine light

[Mustang0524]

Would post this in the problems section but im sure i wont get a response.

Been having problems with my check engine light comming on and the car seems like it loses a lil ass and becomes harder to put in gear, could this be a sensor problem? Mabye my MAF?(wouldnt explain the gear problem).
Car is a 96 V6, 3.8........

Its weird cause i was having this problem for like a month strait, then the check engine light went off and the car seemed normal, then today it went back on and wahlah!

Help would be MUCH appretiated, aint trying to pay a shop bokoo money to solve a small problem.

[MT-2500]

The check engine light is trying to tell you that you have a problem.
First thing to do would be have codes checked and post back code no.
And remember a code does not say replace the sensor it says checck it out.
How is your tune up end. Service history? Mileage?
MT

[neatofrito1618]

go to auto zone. they scan your ECU and will tell you the probelm for free

[Mustang0524]

Well i just bought the car about 2 months ago, so im not too sure on the service history, as =far as the codes what do i need a voltmeter to check these out?(haynes manuel has all the codes so i could find the problem myself) Or would it even be worth the price of buying that as opposed to having the codes checked out buy a shop? Can most/all shops bring these codes up or do i have to take it to ford?

[Mustang0524]

ooo autozone? Free? you sure?

[neatofrito1618]

Originally Posted by Mustang0524

ooo autozone? Free? you sure?

yeah. i used to take my car there when the cheak engine light came on before i got my xcal2

[Mustang0524]

Thanks alot, one other question, any clue if front wheel bearings would cause pulsating in the brake pedal and steering wheel when i Slightly touch the brakes? Rotors and pads are fine, also makes a noise when i hit a bump like a loose shakey noise.

[MT-2500]

Brake pedal pulsating when you step on the brakes points to warped rotors.
You will need to look it over for the shakie noise. Check for anything being lose.
On that AZ free code check use cauition.
Canned sermon on it below.

Use Caution when getting the free code checks please.
Some parts places do offer free code checks. And also free repair advice. But beware. Just get the code no and post it back here and someone will help you.
They offer the free code checks in the hope of increasing there parts sales.
Almost all of them will also offer mechanical advice and some know what they are doing.
But just remember most of them are parts people pulling codes for free.
Not trained professional tech/mechanics. Even if they pull a 02-sensor code or another sensor related code it does always mean to replace that sensor and your problem will be fixed.
Please just get the code no and post it back here and we will help you.

MT

[MT-2500]

On code repair flow charts the factory service manual would be a lot better than haynes.
Or another good one is a all data DIY repair info online sub 24.95$ a year.
Link below.
http://www.alldata.com/products/diy/index.html
Also AutoZone web page has some repair info.
Code link
http://www.troublecodes.net/OBD2/
And down in the Blaizer forum Blazee had OBD11 code chart posted search around down there.
MTT

[Mustang0524]

Right on man, im going up tomorrow afternoon to get the scan, will be sure to post back on here, would like to get the problem solved, reliable car is essential!


Thanks alot for all your help.