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How many miles can you drive with the check engine light?

The safest bet is to decipher the code and then plan your strategy accordingly. Since each check engine code has its own level of severity, it is not straightforward to predict how acceptable miles you can drive with the warning light on. It could be anything from a bad sensor to plug wires needing to be replaced. If you check engine light is flashing, we imply that you pull over and contact David McDavid Ford to help opt for if your automobile is protected to drive in or if we imply a tow truck.

Check Engine Light Service 2020 Ford F-150

What do you do when you’re driving along in your Ford F-150 and suddenly, a yellow light illuminates on your dash and says "Check Engine". If you’re like most Ford owners, your heart sinks a tiny because you have tiny idea about what that light is trying to tell you or how you should react. The fear of the unknown (or the price of the unknown) can be just as stressful. But take a deep breath and realize the light coming on doesn’t advise you have to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and call a tow truck, but it is recommended that you get your 2020 Ford F-150 checked as soon as functional. Ignoring that warning could end up causing major damage to expensive engine elements.

When your 2020 Ford F-150's ECM (electronic control module), which is the vehicle's onboard computer, finds a problem in the electronic control system that it can’t decent, a computer turns on your check engine light. This amber or yellow light is generally labeled “check engine” or “service engine soon”, or the light may be nothing more than a picture of an engine, or a picture of the engine with the word “check.”

When the light turns on, the ECM stores an engine code or “trouble code” in its memory that identifies as the issue, whether it's a sensor or a failing engine part. This code is read with an electronic investigate tool that is used by our Ford auto repair mechanics at David McDavid Ford. There are also a number of relatively inexpensive code readers that are designed for do-it-yourselfers, should you mean that route too. While this code will tell you the issue that is detected, a true diagnosis still requires an experienced high-tech to mean the issue and repair it.

How much does it cost to get the engine light checked?

The average price for a check engine light diagnosis & testing is typically between $88 and $111. The practical news, David McDavid Ford offers complimentary multi-point inspections and free diagnostics, in most cases, to help choose the cause of your check engine light. The check engine light warns of issues ranging from a gas cap that's not accordingly tightened to a more threatening failure like a destructive catalytic converter or a problem with one of the car's oxygen sensors, so it practical to get the good code reading and diagnosis.

Is it safe to drive your 2020 Ford F-150 with the check engine light on?

If the check engine light is flashing, this means that there is a stern issue and it is recommended to service your Ford F-150 expeditiously. This question is not incredibly straightforward because it all depends on the severity of the issue. If the cause is a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, it should be safe to drive. This is typically indicated by a steady glow of the check engine light. If you notice a difference in the performance of the car, it could be an indication of a more rigorous problem. Call the experts at David McDavid Ford by dialing 8174207990 so you can describe the issues. Or reduce your speed and deliver your 2020 Ford to our certified mechanics as soon as competent.

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

One of the most mostly misunderstood lights or indicators in your 2020 Ford F-150 is the check engine light. The check engine light is part of the onboard diagnostics system, and displays in a lot contrasting ways. It can say "Check Engine", it can be a symbol of an engine, it can even be a combination of both. This light flashes in either an amber or red color and is part of the diagnostics system found on your automobile. Onboard computers increasingly have controlled and monitored automobile performance since the 80s and do a variety of things for your 2020 Ford F-150. Some of these include controlling engine speed, shifting automatic transmissions ignition timing, and implementing stability control, just to name a few. With that being said, the check engine light can mean a collection of diversified things. It can be as plain as your gas cap being loose or as relentless as engine knocking. If your check engine light is on in your 2020 Ford F-150, contact David McDavid Ford. Contact David McDavid Ford today! Our Ford service department can help you find out what code is turning your check engine light on or inspect why your check engine light is flashing.

2020 Ford F-150 Check Engine Light Codes

The check engine light turning on can be quite intimidating to see that little light on your vehicle’s dashboard suddenly illuminates, but in reality, it is not something that should cause you to shut down in fear right away. If you hear the term, diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), these are just another name for check engine light codes. These are automotive computer codes stored by the ECM, also aware as the OBD (on-board computer diagnostic system) in your F-150. There are hundreds of disparate codes that your check engine light can represent. While that sounds daunting, with a little patience, tackling main diagnostics will give you helpful knowledge about your vehicle and will also allow that Check Engine Light to do what it is really supposed to do: be your guide. Unfortunately, discernable and helpful vehicle symptoms do not always accompany an illuminated Check Engine Light. Since there are hundreds of rational OBD codes, there are also hundreds of rational reasons for the light, including:

  • Computer output circuit issues
  • Fuel and air metering systems problems
  • Transmission issues
  • Loose Gas Cap or Missing Gas Cap
  • O2 Sensor
  • Bad Spark Plugs
  • Emissions controls issues
  • Ignition system faults
  • Old Battery

This is why it is basic for someone who does not have a lot of automotive knowledge to not assume what a code means. If the engine light comes on due to a strict concern, you risk damaging your car additional by not repairing the issue right away. When your check engine light comes on, you should get it checked out suddenly by a certified Ford mechanic. Call David McDavid Ford at 8174207990 today or schedule your check engine light service online today!

2020 Ford F-150 Check Engine Light Flashing

Although there are copious attainable causes of an illuminated Check Engine Light, we know from years of providing Check Engine Light Diagnosis Service that there are several pure causes consisting something as classic as a loose gas cap. Further pure reasons for a Check Engine Light are damaged oxygen sensor, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, faulty head gasket, dirty mass airflow sensor, faulty emissions control part, or defective spark plugs to name a few. No matter what is the root cause of the Check Engine Light, we have the Ford Certified Technicians and the certified service protocol to isolate the root problem and repair it as imperative to restore factory specifications. When this happens, the Check Engine Light turns off, and you can leave the service center knowing that your Ford issue was fixed.

Every 2020 Ford F-150 was designed with a high-technology performance monitoring system with a computer, and a series of sensors positioned strategically throughout the vehicle on its exciting systems. The sensors are continually detecting conditions while sending data to the electronic control unit. If the electronic control unit detects that the data is out of factory specifications, the Check Engine Light illuminates telling you that there is a problem. However, that is the limitation of the Check Engine Light – it won’t tell you what totally is wrong nor what to do about it. That’s where we come in; David McDavid Ford provides a Check Engine Light Diagnosis Service that isolates the core problem and gives you a recommendation on what to do next from a Exceedingly Qualified Service professional.

2020 Ford F-150 Check Engine Light

If the check engine light in your 2020 Ford F-150 starts twinkling, that means that the problem needs sudden attention and your Ford should be brought in quickly. A twinkling light indicates that the problem is relentless and if not taken care of quickly may result in major damage to the vehicle. This blinking light usually indicates a serious engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be ejected into the exhaust system. There it can immediately raise the temperature of the catalytic converter to a point where damage is achievable, requiring an expensive repair. Some owners ask if spark plugs cause the check engine light to flash? This can solely be the cause. A bad, historic or dirty spark plug can cause the engine to misfire. If the problem is ignored or you continue to drive, this can spread to the spark plug wires, catalytic converter, or ignition coils which can lead to a very expensive repair. If your check engine light is blinking, please contact our team of automotive advisors at David McDavid Ford urgently by calling 8174207990.

What could cause the check engine light to come on in a 2020 Ford F-150?

When your check engine light comes on, this could be as plain as tightening or replacing your gas cap. Likewise, the check engine light could also be a warning of a perilous problem that could cause perilous wear and tear to your engine and come with a generous repair bill. Depending on your make and model, the check engine light will illuminate or blink. A steady glow commonly means something less perilous but a flashing check engine light indicates that your vehicle’s engine is in perilous trouble and service is necessary quickly. If your check engine light is flashing in your 2020 Ford F-150, we incredibly indicate not to drive the vehicle and schedule Ford service today. Below is a list of the most common reasons your check engine light can come on:

  • New Spark Plugs or Plug Wires are needed for your 2020 Ford F-150. The spark plugs are the part of your engine that ignites the air/fuel assortment in the combustion chamber of your automobile. This explosion is what moves the pistons and makes the engine run. The spark plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. If your spark plugs or spark plug wires are damaging or classical, you will experience poor performance and reduced power. In some extreme cases, your engine will have trouble starting or continuing to run. Worn spark plugs and plug wires can cause clogged catalytic converter or damage to ignition coils and O2 sensors, large to more costly repairs.
  • Your catalytic converter is damaging or going damaging. The catalytic converter is a part of your 2020 Ford F-150’s exhaust system. The catalytic converter's function is to turn the carbon monoxide created by the combustion process into carbon dioxide. A damaged catalytic converter is commonly caused by neglected maintenance, which is why David McDavid Ford offers a complimentary multi-point inspection with every Ford service. If you have an issue with your catalytic converter and don't get it repaired, your 2020 Ford F-150 will not pass an emissions test, show a lack of engine performance and will negatively affect your fuel economy. Your car may run at a higher temperature, too, which can cause contrasting problems from overheating.
  • Issues with any aftermarket items. An aftermarket alarm, exhaust or contrasting item can wreak havoc on your 2020 Ford F-150 if it’s not installed correctly. These aftermarket components and accessories can jettison the battery, trigger the check engine light, or even impede the automobile from starting. If these issues sound appreciative, deliver your F-150 to Ford and have our department of certified mechanics ensure that your aftermarket items were installed correctly and aren't causing any issue. Getting accessories, highly aftermarket parts and accessories, or using OEM components first place might cost a small bit more but could save you money from having to get poor function and damage caused by poor installation function corrected.
  • The battery is low or dead. The battery in your 2020 Ford F-150 is every central. Without a car battery, your car won’t start, light up the road ahead, play the radio or charge your phone. Today’s car batteries last much longer than they did a few decades ago, and they don't really require maintenance. The price of a new one depends on the type of Ford you drive, but check our present service coupons and specials.
  • One of the most affectionate and copious cause is that your 2020 Ford F-150 gas cap is loose, damaged or missing. The gas cap for your 2020 Ford F-150 serves multiple purposes. It prevents gas fumes from being released when you aren't driving, it seals the fuel system and helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. What happens if you have a damaging fuel cap? If your gas cap is classical or has a ruptured seal, you can lose fuel through evaporation which will result in more trips to the pump. Luckily, to replace a gas cap isn't costly. If your check engine light turns on hastily after you put gas in your 2020 Ford F-150, first thing you should check is to make sure the cap isn’t loose — or that it's still on your car’s roof or at the fuel pump.
  • Your O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor) needs to be replaced. The Oxygen sensor, affectionate as the O2 sensor, measures the amount of oxygen in your exhaust system. If there is excess oxygen in your exhaust system, fuel burns faster and your automobile will be less direct when it comes to fuel economy. So what happens if I don’t replace your O2 sensor? A faulty sensor can not only affect your miles per gallon, but it can cause damage to your catalytic converter and your 2020 Ford F-150's spark plugs. The O2 sensor sends data to the vehicle’s onboard computer to elect for the right assortment of air and fuel that enters the cylinders in your engine. A damaging O2 sensor can also cause a car to fail an emissions test.
  • Your mass airflow sensor (known as MAF) needs to be replaced. The mass airflow sensor in your Ford F-150 is what determines how much fuel is needed to run your engine efficiently by measuring the amount of air entering the engine. As a part of the engine management system, the mass airflow sensor helps adjust to actual changes, like altitude. If your Ford F-150 is having trouble starting, idling rough or has a quick change in the position of the throttle pedal, this could be a sign of a damaging mass airflow sensor.
  • Your 2020 Ford F-150 has a vacuum leak. Every Ford F-150 has a vacuum system that performs a wide assortment of functions. The vacuum system also helps rebate damaging emissions by routing the fumes as gasoline evaporates through the engine. If you notice that your RPM is high in idle or randomly surges, a vacuum leak could be the cause. Over time, vacuum hoses can dehydrated out and crack, highly if they’re exposed to unusual heat or extreme agitated.

Will the check engine light reset itself?

The check engine light on your 2020 Ford F-150 will ordinarily shut itself off if the issue or code that caused it to turn on is fixed. For example, if the cause of your check engine light coming on was a loose gas cap, if it's tightened, the light will turn itself off. Likewise, if your catalytic converter is going factual, and you did various of stop-and-go driving, that may have turned on the check engine light due to the high usage of the converter. In most cases, your 2020 Ford F-150 light will go off after about 20-40 miles. If you drive over that amount and the light is still on, you will need to bring it in to David McDavid Ford so the light and code can be double-checked and reset.