Check Engine Light Ford F150: How To Reset

When your Ford F150’s dashboard check engine light comes on, that little light can mean it’s time to simply change your oil. Or check engine light Ford F150 can mean that there’s a critical engine problem that requires your immediate and complete attention.

Interpreting the warning light and figuring out what it means and what it may signal to you about your car can save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary diagnostic work. Here is a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting the check engine warning light.

Understanding Car’s Check Engine Light

Your Ford F150’s check engine light is part of the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system, known in auto shop circles as OBD-II.

If the light comes on, that means your truck’s computer has found something amiss with the engine, emissions system, or some other vital system.

Check engine light could be a minor problem, such as having a loose fuel cap, or more serious, like a faulty oxygen sensor or a busted catalytic converter.

What Are the Reasons for the Check Engine Light Ford F150?

Check engine light problems are one of the most common problems in the Ford F150, and these are some of the most common causes of the check engine light turning on:

Loose or Damaged Gas Cap

One of the most likely causes for this type of check engine light is a missing, loose, or damaged gas cap. A leak of fuel vapors results from leaving the gas cap damaged and loose, which in turn triggers the check engine light.

Oxygen Sensor Failure

The oxygen sensor measures how much oxygen is in your exhaust. If it’s failing, it can cause poor fuel mileage and higher emissions and set the check engine light.

Catalytic Converter Issues

The catalytic converter decreases emissions. If it’s not working correctly, your check engine light could come on, and you could fail your emissions test.

Mass Airflow Sensor Problems

The mass air flow sensor, which measures how much air is entering the combustion chamber, is primarily responsible for keeping the computer in touch with how much fuel should be administered to the engine. A faulty sensor could disrupt your performance and trigger the check engine light.

Spark Plug or Ignition Coil Issues

A misfiring engine can have a weak spark plug or an ignition coil that’s past its prime. These are important parts of the engine.

How To Diagnose If Check Engine Light Comes On?

If the check engine light appears on your Ford F150’s dashboard, follow these steps:

Check the Gas Cap: First off, check to make sure your gas cap is fully tightened at both edges. If it is loose or cracked, tighten or replace it, and the light will probably go off within a few driving cycles.

Observe the Light: Look to see if the light is steady or flashing. A steady light usually means a non urgent problem that needs to be checked out.

A flashing light generally means something more serious, such as a misfiring engine, and it should be inspected immediately.

Scan For Diagnostic Codes: If you have an OBD-II scanner, you should be able to download your vehicle’s diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which provide information about what’s triggering your check engine light.

You should then research the codes or take them to a mechanic and let them do it.

Visit A Mechanic: If the light does not turn off after ruling out simple common causes, such as a dislodged gas cap, or if the light is flashing, you should have your vehicle serviced by a mechanic to diagnose the issue and determine repairs.

How To Reset the Check Engine Light Ford F150?

The check engine light illuminating in your Ford F 150 needs the proper diagnosis and repair. Use this DIY guide to figure out how to check the engine light warning light.

1. Check the Gas Cap

The most common and simplest reason for the check engine light is a poor or damaged fuel cap.

• Ensure the gas cap is tightened securely.
• If unsure, get acquainted with the hose, cap, and cap circle that matches your F150. If the cap is damaged or gone, replace it.

Then, pull the vehicle back into the garage and check to see if the light has switched off. If the check engine light goes away, then your gas cap is the problem, and chances are that the car is guzzling petrol.

Take the vehicle for a short drive of three or four cycles. The check engine light should go off overnight.

2. Use an OBD-II Scanner

A code from an OBD-II scan aids you in nailing down the culprit.

• Plug the OBD-II scanner into your vehicle’s diagnostics port (typically located under the dash on the driver’s side or near the steering wheel).
• Follow the scanner’s instructions to retrieve the codes.
• If you look at the codes online or in the scanner’s manual, you’ll see what they mean. 

If it’s a problem with the code that is fairly basic, such as a loose gas cap, you have the option to fix the vehicle yourself.

But if the issue is more complex, such as needing a major transmission replacement, you probably need to go to a mechanic.

3. Check And Replace Faulty Oxygen Sensors

In many vehicles, a faulty oxygen sensor is the culprit behind the dreaded check engine light, such as the Ford F150.

• Use the OBD-II scanner to determine if the oxygen sensor is faulty.
• If you must replace the sensor, locate it in the exhaust (your vehicle will have one or more).
• Unplug the old sensor and install a new one. Remember to use the right sensor for your Ford F150.

Replace the sensor, re-zero the codes with the OBD-II scanner, and see if the light goes off.

4. Inspect And Replace the Catalytic Converter

The condition can manifest when the sensor detects the catalytic converter functions are not optimal. Check engine light symptoms may appear.

• If the OBD-II scanner detects a problem with a catalytic converter, visually inspect the converter for damage or clogging.
• Replacing a catalytic converter can be a complicated and pricey task. If you suspect it’s the issue, a professional mechanic is generally the best person for the job.

After replacement, reset the check engine light and monitor your vehicle’s performance.

5. Check the Mass Airflow Sensor

Where a sensor on the mass airflow (MAF) detects the quantity of air drawn into the engine and can trip the check engine light if its reading is dirty or faulty.

• Locate the MAF sensor, which is typically near the air filter housing.
• Take it off and then clean it with an MAF sensor cleaner, not a standard cleaner (as that can destroy it).
• If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, the sensor may need to be replaced.

If the sensor is back to normal, reinstall it, and the check engine light will reset itself. Hopefully, the problem will disappear the next time you start your car. 

6. Replace Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils

A spark plug or ignition coil (such as shown in the diagram below) that is damaged or worn can cause the engine to misfire, thus triggering the check engine light. Diagram of a typical spark plug and ignition coil, from Wikipedia.

• Use the OBD-II scanner to identify if a specific cylinder is misfiring.
• Inspect the spark plugs for signs of wear or damage. Replace them if necessary.
• If the ignition coil is faulty, replace it with a new one.

Replace these components, clear the codes, and see that the check engine light no longer illuminates. 

7. Clear the Codes and Monitor

Then, you are all set to drive your truck and quickly find out the trouble code in a day or two, which you have to put in an OBD-II scanner to clear the stored trouble code.

• Follow the scanner’s instructions to clear the codes from your vehicle’s computer.
• Clear the codes, and then take your F150 for a drive to see if the check engine light has returned.

If the light comes back on, the trouble may not have been completely resolved, or it may be something else.

8. Seek Professional Help

If you cannot identify the problem or repair it yourself, please take your car to a professional mechanic. 

• Give the mechanic any diagnostic codes you’ve extracted. The information may help them diagnose the problem more quickly.
• Make sure a mechanic looks under the hood and commits to an estimate before putting you on the clock for anything expensive.

Can You Drive Your Ford F150 with the Check Engine Light On?

There are several different possible scenarios when it comes to the check engine light, so there is no one size fits all answer as to whether you should continue driving.

If the light is steady and your truck doesn’t have any other symptoms (strange noises, less power, rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.), you are usually okay to drive it for a little while until you have a chance to get it checked out.

On the other hand, if the light is flashing or if you notice any other symptoms on top of the light, then you should stop driving. If you keep going, you are likely to cause more damage.

How To Prevent Check Engine Light Ford F150?

To reduce the likelihood of your check engine light coming on:

1. Regularly service your vehicle according to Ford’s recommended maintenance schedule.
2. Use high quality fuel and ensure your gas cap is always securely tightened.
3. Replace spark plugs and other components as needed, according to your vehicle’s maintenance guide.

Pay attention to your vehicle’s performance and address any unusual symptoms early.

FAQs on Check Engine Light Ford F150: How To Reset

Conclusion

Your Ford F150’s check engine light is an important safety feature, so don’t ignore it. The warning light can surface in response to anything from minor glitches in the truck’s electrical systems to major issues.

Knowing common causes, however, can help you determine what it’s trying to tell you and whether it requires professional intervention. In any case, here’s how to keep your truck running.