Instrumentation; Warning And Control Lights - Ford Vehicle Manual

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle's functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have
the respective system inspected immediately.
Service engine soon
Illuminates briefly to ensure the
SERVICE
system is functional. If it comes on
ENGINE
after the engine is started, one of
SOON
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.
Light turns on solid:
Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
These and other temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the
fuel tank with good quality fuel. After three driving cycles without these
or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Service Engine Soon
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 Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced
at the first available opportunity.
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