2015 Ford Transit-150 Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2015 Ford Transit-150 and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2015 Ford Transit-150 has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2015 Ford Transit-150 has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2015 Ford Transit-150?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2015 Ford Transit-150, it's essential to approach the diagnosis methodically. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the light. Next, take a moment to inspect your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or irregular readings that might indicate other underlying issues. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step, as it allows you to retrieve specific error codes that can direct you to the exact problem. Additionally, a visual inspection under the hood can reveal any obvious signs of damage, such as frayed wires or loose hoses, which may contribute to the warning. Finally, consulting your owner's manual can provide tailored insights into what the check engine light signifies for your specific model and offer manufacturer-recommended troubleshooting steps. By following these initial diagnostic steps, you can effectively narrow down the potential causes of the check engine light and take informed action towards resolving the issue.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2015 Ford Transit-150?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2015 Ford Transit-150, it signals that the vehicle's onboard diagnostics have detected an issue that needs attention. One of the most straightforward problems to check is the gas cap; if it’s loose or damaged, it can lead to fuel evaporation and trigger the light. Another common culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can negatively affect fuel efficiency and increase emissions. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter can cause the light to illuminate, often indicating a failure or inefficiency in the exhaust system. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can also disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to performance issues. Problems with spark plugs or ignition coils may result in engine misfires, while a faulty thermostat can cause overheating or improper engine temperature regulation. Emission control system malfunctions, including issues with the EGR valve or EVAP system, are also frequent triggers. Furthermore, transmission problems, such as low fluid levels or solenoid malfunctions, can activate the check engine light, as can battery or charging system issues. Lastly, an engine misfire, stemming from various factors like ignition system faults or fuel delivery problems, is a significant reason for the light to illuminate. By understanding these common issues, DIYers can better diagnose and address the underlying problems when the check engine light appears.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2015 Ford Transit-150?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2015 Ford Transit-150, it’s crucial to take immediate action rather than dismissing it as a minor inconvenience. This warning light indicates that your vehicle's onboard diagnostics have detected an issue that could range from a simple fix, like a loose gas cap, to more serious problems such as ignition system failures or oxygen sensor malfunctions. Ignoring this alert can lead to more severe complications, including engine damage or decreased fuel efficiency, which can result in costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the trouble codes associated with the check engine light, allowing you to pinpoint the issue. Addressing the underlying problem not only helps maintain your vehicle's performance but also ensures your safety on the road. Therefore, while it may not always signal an immediate emergency, treating the check engine light with urgency is essential for the longevity and reliability of your Ford Transit-150.

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Check Engine Light Causes for 2015 Ford Transit-150