Ford taurus se 2002 Owner's Manual page 10

Instrumentation
Service engine soon
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). The OBD II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
The indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to
the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is
started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause your light to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving
cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present,
the light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine
startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle
service is required.
If the light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity.
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