Check engine light! - Focaljet

**gottijr** · 05-08-2001, 02:05 PM

just going down the road with my 2001 ZX3 (5,000 miles on it) and the check engine light has come on, anyone on here experience that on such a new car?

**focusdchaos** · 05-08-2001, 02:15 PM

I'd take it to the dealer to let them check for codes.

**gottijr** · 05-08-2001, 02:25 PM

Codes? what do you mean...sorry Im not a mechanic type so bear with me.

My wife was going down the road right past the dealers, so she brought it in instantly.
Its not a red lite, but the organge check engine lite that is on. They cant get it in until friday. They said its completely safe to drive in the meantime.

**PitchBlackSoul** · 05-08-2001, 02:33 PM

Its a stupid reminder for you to change your oil. My GF's cougar does the same Shiz. Mine focus only has 2000 miles so I haven't gotten it yet. If you take the car to ford to change your oil, they'll reset it. If you change it , drive it for about 100 miles and it'll prolly turn off.

I started my car w/ a loose ignition wire, light came on. Stayed on after I fixed it, and reset like 100 miles later.

------------------
Pitch Black 2001 ZX-3 to Match My Soul.

Mods:<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Custom bent Flowmaster Exhaust....DEEP
<LI>Alpine V12 Amp
<LI>Two JL w0 x 12
<LI>2 Color Indigo Gauges
<LI>Spark Co. 9.2 mm Ignition wires
<LI>Ford Blue Engine Cover[/list]Mods of the Month<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Hose Techniques Kits
<LI>Esslinger UDP
<LI>Esslinger Cam Gears[/list]

**Igor** · 05-08-2001, 02:38 PM

Pitch,

There is no change oil light on the foci.

Igor

**gottijr** · 05-08-2001, 02:56 PM

the oil is not even due yet. They dealer just checked the oil to reassure me that it was fine. They claim its something electronic or whatever.

Is it true there is a red engine lite, and orange one? the dealer said mine is orange which means to me I can drive until Fridays appt.

what is the code thing ?

**seminole_kev** · 05-08-2001, 03:15 PM

Couple of things:

1) Is your gas cap on tight. In some situation's, with some cars, a loose gas cap can cause the check engine light I believe

2) In my previous car, when new, I put in premium gas (which I never do anymore, it's a scam unless your manual calls for it), and not far from the station, the check engine light came on. I was told, whether or not this is true, that cars that are to run on plain old 87 octane gas can be fouled up by the premium stuff

Just curious if either of these two things may apply to you.

**gottijr** · 05-08-2001, 03:23 PM

Premium does apply to me. Does this ruin the car for good? or just start using lower octane.

**gottijr** · 05-08-2001, 03:24 PM

I have been using premium for a couple months now. never had a problem with it until now I guess

**Dev** · 05-08-2001, 03:27 PM

Moving to Team Tech..

**myFordFocus.com** · 05-08-2001, 03:37 PM

jr,
Your Focus is tuned for Regular Unleaded, 87 Octane. See your owners manual, or online at http://www.myfordfocus.com/underthehood.htm

Also as seminole_kev said, it might just be that your gas cap is not on tight. I'm not sure which light that is however and/or if it's the one you see.

------------------
Ray
2001 ZX3 Owner
webmaster@myFordFocus.com
http://www.myFordFocus.com

**Bobby** · 05-08-2001, 04:41 PM

Your check engine light comes on to tell you to have the dealer do a PCM Quick Test. The PCM is the computer that monitors and drives all the systems. Sometimes it will, and sometimes it may not, display on the dealers equipment something called a DTC or Diagnostic Trouble Code. If your dealer checked it and said not to worry till Friday, then I wouldn't worry and go see them on Friday. It can be one of a hundred odd codes. They will check it, fix the problem, or if it is a code that came on for something like the wrong octane gas or some sensor wire that fell off, then they will simply reset the PCM, the light goes out, and you are on your way.
There is no way the computer knows if you changed your oil or not so don't worry about that suggestion.
Unless you have an after market chip or some heavy duty mods to your motor, you are wasting money and not doing your engine any favors by burning Premium gasoline. The Zetec is designed for 87 Octane, use it. Don't worry about whether you caused any problems by using it; you didn't. It may or may not have set off the light...only PCM test will tell the tech that.
Hope this answered your questions.
Bobby

**seminole_kev** · 05-08-2001, 04:50 PM

Yeah, you haven't done anything to damage the engine. Not to start the whole 87 vs premium debate, but 87 (from a regular gas station Texaco, Shell, etc) has the same additives to protect and clean your engine as premium. So as long as your manual says to run 87, which the Focus does, do it. Otherwise your just throwing away money. Don't feel bad, I did the same thing once.

[This message has been edited by seminole_kev (edited 05-08-2001).]

**gottijr** · 05-10-2001, 12:39 AM

Thanks Guys! I'll let ya know on Friday wats up with it.

**gottijr** · 05-11-2001, 11:40 AM

just took my focus into the dealer today. Got the call just now, they seemed like they didnt want to go into much detail about it. They said the check engine lite is now off, but they needed to order a part (electronic part I assume). they mentioned it will not leave me stranded anywhere.

anyone know what they might be talking about? Like I said they seemed to be reluctant to tell me exactly what this part does when I asked. They just said "its under warranty you wont have to pay a cent".

Maybe when I get there they'll explain it more.

**Hatchman** · 05-16-2001, 11:27 AM

I took my car into Ford today to have the CEL checked. Service manager told me it was the DPFE sensor that regulates the EGR valve and that it was no big deal. However, none in stock, of course. Will be un-Focused for another day!

**jim01ZX3** · 05-16-2001, 05:42 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hatchman:
I took my car into Ford today to have the CEL checked. Service manager told me it was the DPFE sensor that regulates the EGR valve and that it was no big deal. However, none in stock, of course. Will be un-Focused for another day! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Damn! Same exact thing for me! Ahhh! DPFE sensors going bad left and right!

Although, I have mine back today!

**esseff** · 05-16-2001, 10:59 PM

If you make some mods to your car, then you may need a higher octane gas. In stock condition name brand regular will do it, just fine. If you use a chip in you ECU, then you will most probably need 92 octane fuel. Although before I installed a chip I ran 89 octane and the car felt better and the mileage increase aboput .5mpg. So now you know.

**JimmyLee** · 05-17-2001, 01:59 AM

Has anybody gotten recall on the DPFE sensor that regulates the EGR valve for 2001's. I checked the Blue Oval News site and there was nothing referencing this part...anybody aware of this?

Let us know...Thanks!!!

------------------
2001 RF Green ZX3, 2.0 Zetec 5-speed...17" Silver Quantum TEK rims, Federal 215/45R-17 Tires, Eibach Spings Pro-Kit, Borla Power Pack 2.5 Cat Back exhaust and Air Filter more to come...stand by!!!

**gottijr** · 05-18-2001, 01:11 PM

fridays here still no part. Oh well!

anyway, going down the road last nite, and the car is going at a very steady speed and a slow rate about 35mhp on a completely level road. The car seems to be pulling back than springing forward ....very,very slightly, just enough to feel, but not move RPM gauge much. any clue if this has to do with the sensor that may be bad on my 2001 Zx3??

**bobikg** · 08-07-2002, 10:05 AM

This is an sensor problem, i got this sensor replaced twice in 20 month (10k km and 50k km), looks like something wrong with a design. I also feel some interruption iduring the driving (very-very small and only on a low speed).
probably next time won't be under the warranty, so if somebody has the info about the location of this sensor, i'll be really appreciate (still waiting for the repear manual to be published).
this warning has nothing to do with oil change, but emission only

**Shiva Chaos** · 08-07-2002, 10:22 AM

Mine has had it's DPFE replaced already. it's a 2001.

gottijr:

That feeling your getting is the sensor going bad and the EGR malfunctioning which probably caused the CEL.

regarding Higher octane fuels:

The higher the octane, the higher the temperature you need to get it to combust.

Our engines are designed to take 87 octane. Anything higher will not completely combust which leaves you with wasted fuel.

With a chip to advance the spark will be able to take advantage of higher octanes and therefore combust the fuel completely. If you use 87 octane with a chip you may experience detonation.

**metheone** · 08-07-2002, 10:48 AM

i can tell you its not the gas cap theres another light for that someone stole mine. it could be an o2 sensor or anything so just take it in to the dealer

**wannaskizx3** · 08-07-2002, 10:55 AM

my light came on anly when I turned my audio system up for a few minutes...I assume it's du to strain on the alternator.....I reset the cpu and it was off until I turned it up again.

care to comment???
Mike

**oneloudzx3** · 08-07-2002, 11:22 AM

yea those stupid DPFE censors are terrible, i got 15000 on my car and already went threw 2 of those. mine is on backorder right now and is pissin me off. my car shakes alittle from it. hope it gets in soon.

05-08-2001, 02:05 PM	#1
gottijr TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Berwick, PA , USA Posts: 124	Check engine light! just going down the road with my 2001 ZX3 (5,000 miles on it) and the check engine light has come on, anyone on here experience that on such a new car?

05-08-2001, 02:15 PM	#2
focusdchaos [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 8,355	Re: Check engine light! I'd take it to the dealer to let them check for codes.

05-08-2001, 02:25 PM	#3
gottijr TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Berwick, PA , USA Posts: 124	Re: Check engine light! Codes? what do you mean...sorry Im not a mechanic type so bear with me. My wife was going down the road right past the dealers, so she brought it in instantly. Its not a red lite, but the organge check engine lite that is on. They cant get it in until friday. They said its completely safe to drive in the meantime.

05-08-2001, 02:33 PM	#4
PitchBlackSoul TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: (Leo) Long Beach / Glendale , CA. USA Posts: 277	Re: Check engine light! Its a stupid reminder for you to change your oil. My GF's cougar does the same Shiz. Mine focus only has 2000 miles so I haven't gotten it yet. If you take the car to ford to change your oil, they'll reset it. If you change it , drive it for about 100 miles and it'll prolly turn off. I started my car w/ a loose ignition wire, light came on. Stayed on after I fixed it, and reset like 100 miles later. ------------------ Pitch Black 2001 ZX-3 to Match My Soul. Mods:<UL TYPE=SQUARE> <LI>Custom bent Flowmaster Exhaust....DEEP <LI>Alpine V12 Amp <LI>Two JL w0 x 12 <LI>2 Color Indigo Gauges <LI>Spark Co. 9.2 mm Ignition wires <LI>Ford Blue Engine Cover[/list]Mods of the Month<UL TYPE=SQUARE> <LI>Hose Techniques Kits <LI>Esslinger UDP <LI>Esslinger Cam Gears[/list]

05-08-2001, 02:38 PM	#5
Igor TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Glastonbury, CT Posts: 558	Re: Check engine light! Pitch, There is no change oil light on the foci. Igor

05-08-2001, 02:56 PM	#6
gottijr TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Berwick, PA , USA Posts: 124	Re: Check engine light! the oil is not even due yet. They dealer just checked the oil to reassure me that it was fine. They claim its something electronic or whatever. Is it true there is a red engine lite, and orange one? the dealer said mine is orange which means to me I can drive until Fridays appt. what is the code thing ?

05-08-2001, 03:15 PM	#7
seminole_kev TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 939	Re: Check engine light! Couple of things: 1) Is your gas cap on tight. In some situation's, with some cars, a loose gas cap can cause the check engine light I believe 2) In my previous car, when new, I put in premium gas (which I never do anymore, it's a scam unless your manual calls for it), and not far from the station, the check engine light came on. I was told, whether or not this is true, that cars that are to run on plain old 87 octane gas can be fouled up by the premium stuff Just curious if either of these two things may apply to you.

05-08-2001, 03:23 PM	#8
gottijr TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Berwick, PA , USA Posts: 124	Re: Check engine light! Premium does apply to me. Does this ruin the car for good? or just start using lower octane.

05-08-2001, 03:24 PM	#9
gottijr TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Berwick, PA , USA Posts: 124	Re: Check engine light! I have been using premium for a couple months now. never had a problem with it until now I guess

05-08-2001, 03:27 PM	#10
Dev Coffee Black Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: (Devon)Citrus Heights, CA USA Posts: 29,558	Re: Check engine light! Moving to Team Tech..

05-08-2001, 03:37 PM	#11
myFordFocus.com TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Poughkeepsie, NY Posts: 657	Re: Check engine light! jr, Your Focus is tuned for Regular Unleaded, 87 Octane. See your owners manual, or online at http://www.myfordfocus.com/underthehood.htm Also as seminole_kev said, it might just be that your gas cap is not on tight. I'm not sure which light that is however and/or if it's the one you see. ------------------ Ray 2001 ZX3 Owner webmaster@myFordFocus.com http://www.myFordFocus.com

05-08-2001, 04:41 PM	#12
Bobby Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 2,610	Re: Check engine light! Your check engine light comes on to tell you to have the dealer do a PCM Quick Test. The PCM is the computer that monitors and drives all the systems. Sometimes it will, and sometimes it may not, display on the dealers equipment something called a DTC or Diagnostic Trouble Code. If your dealer checked it and said not to worry till Friday, then I wouldn't worry and go see them on Friday. It can be one of a hundred odd codes. They will check it, fix the problem, or if it is a code that came on for something like the wrong octane gas or some sensor wire that fell off, then they will simply reset the PCM, the light goes out, and you are on your way. There is no way the computer knows if you changed your oil or not so don't worry about that suggestion. Unless you have an after market chip or some heavy duty mods to your motor, you are wasting money and not doing your engine any favors by burning Premium gasoline. The Zetec is designed for 87 Octane, use it. Don't worry about whether you caused any problems by using it; you didn't. It may or may not have set off the light...only PCM test will tell the tech that. Hope this answered your questions. Bobby

05-08-2001, 04:50 PM	#13
seminole_kev TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 939	Re: Check engine light! Yeah, you haven't done anything to damage the engine. Not to start the whole 87 vs premium debate, but 87 (from a regular gas station Texaco, Shell, etc) has the same additives to protect and clean your engine as premium. So as long as your manual says to run 87, which the Focus does, do it. Otherwise your just throwing away money. Don't feel bad, I did the same thing once. [This message has been edited by seminole_kev (edited 05-08-2001).]

05-10-2001, 12:39 AM	#14
gottijr TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Berwick, PA , USA Posts: 124	Re: Check engine light! Thanks Guys! I'll let ya know on Friday wats up with it.

05-11-2001, 11:40 AM	#15
gottijr TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Berwick, PA , USA Posts: 124	Re: Check engine light! just took my focus into the dealer today. Got the call just now, they seemed like they didnt want to go into much detail about it. They said the check engine lite is now off, but they needed to order a part (electronic part I assume). they mentioned it will not leave me stranded anywhere. anyone know what they might be talking about? Like I said they seemed to be reluctant to tell me exactly what this part does when I asked. They just said "its under warranty you wont have to pay a cent". Maybe when I get there they'll explain it more.

05-16-2001, 11:27 AM	#16
Hatchman TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: (Rick) Cape May, NJ Posts: 826	Re: Check engine light! I took my car into Ford today to have the CEL checked. Service manager told me it was the DPFE sensor that regulates the EGR valve and that it was no big deal. However, none in stock, of course. Will be un-Focused for another day!

05-16-2001, 05:42 PM	#17
jim01ZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Allentown, PA \| Jim Posts: 2,459	Re: Check engine light! <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hatchman: I took my car into Ford today to have the CEL checked. Service manager told me it was the DPFE sensor that regulates the EGR valve and that it was no big deal. However, none in stock, of course. Will be un-Focused for another day! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Damn! Same exact thing for me! Ahhh! DPFE sensors going bad left and right! Although, I have mine back today!

05-16-2001, 10:59 PM	#18
esseff TEAM Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Northwestern, NJ, USA Posts: 569	Re: Check engine light! If you make some mods to your car, then you may need a higher octane gas. In stock condition name brand regular will do it, just fine. If you use a chip in you ECU, then you will most probably need 92 octane fuel. Although before I installed a chip I ran 89 octane and the car felt better and the mileage increase aboput .5mpg. So now you know.

05-17-2001, 01:59 AM	#19
JimmyLee TEAM Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 255	Re: Check engine light! Has anybody gotten recall on the DPFE sensor that regulates the EGR valve for 2001's. I checked the Blue Oval News site and there was nothing referencing this part...anybody aware of this? Let us know...Thanks!!! ------------------ 2001 RF Green ZX3, 2.0 Zetec 5-speed...17" Silver Quantum TEK rims, Federal 215/45R-17 Tires, Eibach Spings Pro-Kit, Borla Power Pack 2.5 Cat Back exhaust and Air Filter more to come...stand by!!!

05-18-2001, 01:11 PM	#20
gottijr TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Berwick, PA , USA Posts: 124	Re: Check engine light! fridays here still no part. Oh well! anyway, going down the road last nite, and the car is going at a very steady speed and a slow rate about 35mhp on a completely level road. The car seems to be pulling back than springing forward ....very,very slightly, just enough to feel, but not move RPM gauge much. any clue if this has to do with the sensor that may be bad on my 2001 Zx3??

08-07-2002, 10:05 AM	#21
bobikg Rookie Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Toronto,ON,Canada Posts: 27	Re: Check engine light! This is an sensor problem, i got this sensor replaced twice in 20 month (10k km and 50k km), looks like something wrong with a design. I also feel some interruption iduring the driving (very-very small and only on a low speed). probably next time won't be under the warranty, so if somebody has the info about the location of this sensor, i'll be really appreciate (still waiting for the repear manual to be published). this warning has nothing to do with oil change, but emission only

08-07-2002, 10:22 AM	#22
Shiva Chaos [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: under your bed Posts: 7,331	Re: Check engine light! Mine has had it's DPFE replaced already. it's a 2001. gottijr: That feeling your getting is the sensor going bad and the EGR malfunctioning which probably caused the CEL. regarding Higher octane fuels: The higher the octane, the higher the temperature you need to get it to combust. Our engines are designed to take 87 octane. Anything higher will not completely combust which leaves you with wasted fuel. With a chip to advance the spark will be able to take advantage of higher octanes and therefore combust the fuel completely. If you use 87 octane with a chip you may experience detonation.

08-07-2002, 10:48 AM	#23
metheone TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: westland,mi,usa Posts: 136	Re: Check engine light! i can tell you its not the gas cap theres another light for that someone stole mine. it could be an o2 sensor or anything so just take it in to the dealer

08-07-2002, 10:55 AM	#24
wannaskizx3 TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Dracut, MA, USA Posts: 155	Re: Check engine light! my light came on anly when I turned my audio system up for a few minutes...I assume it's du to strain on the alternator.....I reset the cpu and it was off until I turned it up again. care to comment??? Mike

08-07-2002, 11:22 AM	#25
oneloudzx3 TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: maryland Posts: 234	Re: Check engine light! yea those stupid DPFE censors are terrible, i got 15000 on my car and already went threw 2 of those. mine is on backorder right now and is pissin me off. my car shakes alittle from it. hope it gets in soon.

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