In my 1997 V8 Ford Explorer, it idles rough and the check engine light is on, but after driving it for a few minutes the check engine light starts blinking and the missing startsa to go away.

Asked by jeffc5202 May 08, 2015 at 01:08 PM about the 1997 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Eddie Bauer SUV

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When it warms up it smooths out and the gas mileage is now really poor. The engine light then goes from solid to blinking

3 Answers

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/97expog1e.pdf 1997 was only the second year of OBDII and according to the owners manual, all is says -"Check engine Illuminates when the engine’s Emission Control System requires service"

There is also a "message center" that -- form manual--"The system will also notify you of potential vehicle problems with a display of system warnings." Read owners manual beginning on Page 16 for a full explanation. If you done have manual you can download it from the link above. A flashing CEL indicates a more serious problem than a steady on. Highlight the link from start ending at pdf, do not include 1997. Highlight then right click and it will download

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