Service Engine Soon; Powertrain Malfunction Indicator - Ford Explorer 2008 Owner's Manual

Instrument Cluster
Note: Depending on which options your vehicle has, some indicators
may not be present in your vehicle.
Service engine soon: The Service
engine soon indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the Service engine soon
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the Service
engine soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testing in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On
board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
If the light remains ON while driving, the temperature of the engine may
be too high, refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and
Specifications chapter.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Powertrain malfunction indicator: Illuminates when a powertrain , a
4x4 or a AWD fault has been detected. Contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
• Standard instrument cluster
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