CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/OVERHEAT

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I have a Check Engine Light. I start my truck and, whether I have the heater on or off, approximately 10 minutes into the drive my temperature gauge starts to rise to till the overheat light comes on. It does not go into the red. Then it will start to cool down and drop back to normal. If I keep my heater off I do not have any more problems. If I turn my heater back on, it will rise again and then it seems to be alright after I turn the heater off and I have not experienced it happening after the two times. I cannot tell if turning the heater off has a great deal of effect. Especially when it does it even when I first start out and do not turn my heater on. I thought it may be the thermostat but it is so intermittent that I am not sure if it is that or a control for the cooling system. Any suggestions?

wickedash in Norfolk VA

Feb 26, 2009

1 Reply

Popular Answer

danddon Feb 27, 2009

It would be best to retrieve the code, then you would know what you are really dealing with. A good tech should be able to pull the code for 1/2 hour of shop time and tell you basics of what it means. Then if you can look at the data of the coolant temp sensor as you run the vehicle with or with out the heater being on. This would tell you if the thermostat is working correctly or not. It would also verify your temp gauge. Does your Ford ever boil over? That is very good news that it does not boil over. Is there some way you can have the code pulled for your Check Engine Light? that would be the next order of business. You can have someone pull it and scan the Temp sensor data for about 1/2 hour of shop time. ( $40-50 ).

wickedashon Feb 27, 2009

No it does not boil over.

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