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1997 F150 computer glitch?

I took my recently purchased 1997 Ford F150 in for a California smog check. It failed, although the emission levels were good. The failure was due to two items on the truck's computer system reading wrong. (The Check Engine light is on.) Examination by several mechanics has suggested that all that's in order is a reset of the onboard computer, and that nothing ACTUALLY is wrong. However, I've been getting quotes from $400 to $750 to straighten out the problem. Is this typical and is there a cheaper way around it? I can't finish registering the truck until I get a clear smog certificate, which I can't get until this computer glitch is resolved. Any ideas? I'm in the L.A. area.

Jim Beaver

Reply to
Jim Beaver
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Pull the battery cable for a few minutes to clear the computer. Reconnect everything and let the vehicle do its relearn cycle. If the light comes on again then get the codes read and see what fault they are pointing to.

Cheers, Lawrence

Reply to
Lawrence

Or, Leave California

Reply to
E. BOROWICZ

Finally -- FINALLY -- resolved this. Did the disconnect battery thing, cleared the computer, but within seven miles, the check engine light was back on. Repeated process, same results. Took the truck to five different mechanics, each of which wanted between $450 and $750 to diagnose and repair the problem. Finally, I took the truck to my oil-change guy, who read the codes, replaced the spark plugs and the fuel filter. The check engine light went off and stayed off, and after driving 30 miles to reset the computer, I took the truck in for its smog check. It passed, and no code problems showed up. Mission accomplished. Total cost for the actual repairs: $145.

Jim Beaver

Reply to
Jim Beaver

Except now it's unresolved again. Fifty miles later, the Check Engine light is back on. No codes, just the light. Damn. At least it passed the smog check.

Jim Beaver

Reply to
Jim Beaver

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