2012 Ford F-150 Check Engine Light

Check Engine Light Service 2012 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 little because you have little idea about what that light is trying to tell you or how you should react. The fear of the unknown (or the cost of the unknown) can be just as stressful. But take a deep breath and realize the light coming on doesn’t mean you have to pull the car over to the side of the road and call a tow truck, but it is recommended that you get your 2012 Ford F-150 checked as soon as functional. Ignoring that warning could end up causing expanded damage to expensive engine components.

When your 2012 Ford F-150's ECM (electronic control module), which is the vehicle's onboard computer, finds a problem in the computerized control system that it can’t prudent, a computer turns on your check engine light. This amber or yellow light is typically 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 technical scan tool that is used by our Ford auto repair mechanics at Coggin Deland Ford. There are also a number of comparably cheap code readers that are designed for do-it-yourselfers, should you opt for that route too. While this code will tell you the issue that is detected, a true diagnosis still requires an trained licensed to hint the issue and repair it.

Will the check engine light reset itself?

The check engine light on your 2012 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 functional, and you did a lot 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 2012 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 Coggin Deland Ford so the light and code can be double-checked and reset.

2012 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 brightens, but in reality, it is not something that should cause you to shut down in fear honorable 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 ongoing as the OBD (on-board computer diagnostic system) in your F-150. There are hundreds of understandable codes that your check engine light can designate. While that sounds daunting, with some patience, tackling cooperative 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, understandable and helpful vehicle symptoms do not always accompany an illuminated Check Engine Light. Since there are hundreds of possible OBD codes, there are also hundreds of possible reasons for the light, including:

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

This is why it is crucial 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 draconian concern, you risk damaging your vehicle further by not repairing the issue noble away. Call Coggin Deland Ford at 3862100247 today or schedule your check engine light service online today! When your check engine light comes on, you should get it checked out hastily by a certified Ford mechanic.

2012 Ford F-150 Check Engine Light Flashing

Although there are several potential causes of an illuminated Check Engine Light, we know from years of providing Check Engine Light Diagnosis Service that there are several common causes including something as assorted as a loose gas cap. Extra common reasons for a Check Engine Light are faulty emissions control part, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, damaged oxygen sensor, dirty mass airflow sensor, faulty head gasket, 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 essential 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 2012 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 necessary systems. The sensors are commonly 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 flashes telling you that there is a problem. However, that is the limitation of the Check Engine Light – it won’t tell you what exactly is mistaken nor what to do about it. That’s where we come in; Coggin Deland 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 technical.

Is it safe to drive your 2012 Ford F-150 with the check engine light on?

This question is not very honest 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 persistent to drive. This is naturally indicated by a instinctive glow of the check engine light. If you notice a difference in the performance of the vehicle, it could be an indication of a more alarming problem. If the check engine light is flashing, this means that there is a alarming issue and it is recommended to service your Ford F-150 quickly. Call the veterans at Coggin Deland Ford by dialing 3862100247 so you can describe the issues. Or cut your speed and bring your 2012 Ford to our certified mechanics as soon as functional.

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

One of the most commonly misunderstood lights or indicators in your 2012 Ford F-150 is the check engine light. The check engine light is part of the onboard diagnostics system, and displays in assorted exact ways. It can say "Check Engine", it can be a symbol of an engine, it can even be a combination of both. This light illuminates in either an amber or red color and is part of the diagnostics system found on your car. Onboard computers increasingly have controlled and monitored car performance since the 80s and do a variety of things for your 2012 Ford F-150. Some of these include ignition timing, shifting automatic transmissions controlling engine speed, and implementing stability control, just to name a tiny. With that being said, the check engine light can represent a variety of contrasting things. It can be as simple as your gas cap being loose or as important as engine knocking. If your check engine light is on in your 2012 Ford F-150, contact Coggin Deland Ford. Contact Coggin Deland Ford today! Our Ford service department can help you find out what code is turning your check engine light on or investigate why your check engine light is shining.

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

The check engine light warns of issues ranging from a gas cap that's not well tightened to a more rigorous failure like a detrimental catalytic converter or a problem with one of the car's oxygen sensors, so it great to get the appropriate code reading and diagnosis. The central cost for a check engine light diagnosis & testing is commonly between $88 and $111. The great news, Coggin Deland Ford offers complimentary multi-point inspections and free diagnostics, in most cases, to help opt for the cause of your check engine light.

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

Since every check engine code has its own level of severity, it is difficult to predict how many miles you can drive with the warning light on. The safest bet is to decipher the code and then plan your strategy accordingly. If you check engine light is flashing, we recommend that you pull over and contact Coggin Deland Ford to help learn if your vehicle is safe to drive in or if we recommend a tow truck. It could be anything from a bad sensor to plug wires needing to be replaced.

What could cause the check engine light to come on in a 2012 Ford F-150?

When your check engine light comes on, this could be as conclusive as tightening or replacing your gas cap. Likewise, the check engine light could also be a warning of a exacting problem that could cause exacting wear and tear to your engine and come with a important repair bill. Depending on your make and model, the check engine light will illuminate or blink. A innate glow customarily means something less exacting but a flashing check engine light indicates that your vehicle’s engine is in exacting trouble and service is needed immediately. If your check engine light is flashing in your 2012 Ford F-150, we highly recommend not to drive the vehicle and schedule Ford service today. Below is a list of the most familiar reasons your check engine light can come on:

• Your O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor) needs to be replaced. The Oxygen sensor, common 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 vehicle will be less persuasive 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 2012 Ford F-150's spark plugs. The O2 sensor sends data to the vehicle’s onboard computer to pick the impartial mixture of air and fuel that enters the cylinders in your engine. A bad O2 sensor can also cause a car to fail an emissions test.
• Issues with any aftermarket items. An aftermarket alarm, exhaust or further item can wreak havoc on your 2012 Ford F-150 if it’s not installed perfectly. These aftermarket parts and accessories can dump the battery, trigger the check engine light, or even prevent the vehicle from starting. If these issues sound admitted, bring your F-150 to Ford and have our team of certified mechanics ensure that your aftermarket items were installed correctly and aren't causing any issue. Getting accessories, especially aftermarket parts and accessories, or using OEM parts first place might cost a little bit more but could save you money from having to get scanty work and damage caused by scanty installation work corrected.
• New Spark Plugs or Plug Wires are needed for your 2012 Ford F-150. The spark plugs are the part of your engine that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. 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 bad or erstwhile, you will experience scanty 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, best to more expensive repairs.
• Your 2012 Ford F-150 has a vacuum leak. Each Ford F-150 has a vacuum system that performs a accomplished collection of functions. The vacuum system also helps lower harmful 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 dry out and crack, especially if they’re exposed to gigantic heat or extreme cool.
• The battery is low or dead. The battery in your 2012 Ford F-150 is each dangerous. 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 current service coupons and specials.
• One of the most common and frequent cause is that your 2012 Ford F-150 gas cap is loose, damaged or missing. The gas cap for your 2012 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 bad fuel cap? If your gas cap is erstwhile 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 expensive. If your check engine light turns on immediately after you put gas in your 2012 Ford F-150, first thing you should check is to make bold the cap isn’t loose — or that it's still on your car’s roof or at the fuel pump.
• 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 crucial changes, like altitude. If your Ford F-150 is having trouble starting, idling rough or has a sudden change in the position of the throttle pedal, this could be a sign of a bad mass airflow sensor.
• Your catalytic converter is bad or going bad. The catalytic converter is a part of your 2012 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 usually caused by neglected maintenance, which is why Coggin Deland Ford offers a complimentary multi-point inspection with each Ford service. If you have an issue with your catalytic converter and don't get it repaired, your 2012 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 further problems from overheating.

2012 Ford F-150 Check Engine Light

A flashing light indicates that the problem is hazardous and if not taken care of expeditiously may result in tall damage to the vehicle. If the check engine light in your 2012 Ford F-150 starts flashing, that means that the problem needs immediate attention and your Ford should be brought in expeditiously. This blinking light usually indicates a relentless engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system. There it can immediately surge the temperature of the catalytic converter to a point where damage is conceivable, requiring an lavish repair. Some owners ask if spark plugs cause the check engine light to flash? This can totally be the cause. A bad, old or dirty spark plug can cause the engine to misfire. If your check engine light is blinking, please contact our squad of automotive consultants at Coggin Deland Ford promptly by calling 3862100247. 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 excessively costly repair.