check engine light first time at 44k

TMK, the only reason you'll ever get a CEL is when there's an actual fault. Get thee to AutoZone for a free code scan.

CJB

I'm new to the Ford Post, whats TMK I'll hit Auto Zone Thanks

My bad. That's "To My Knowledge." I was saying that I don't *think* Ford did like Chrysler, for example, did where they had a light that would come on just to make you run to the dealer to get it checked. On every Ford I've had, be it an 88 Crown Vic, to a 2003 E-150, a CEL meant there was a code.

CJB

a few weeks back the attendant at the gas station removed my gas cap before i had turned off the truck & my light came on shortly afterwards. it went out a few days later.

Thanks for sharing.

You did not say what year truck you have. I'm gonna guess that it is a '96 or newer.

There is a data port along the bottom edge of the dash board that accomodates the OBD II Code Reader. AutoZone (and others, I think) will allow you to use the code reader for free, or they will use it for you -- either way it is free -- to pull the codes. You need to know what the codes are before you should attempt to do anything. Well, you can check the gas cap before you go pull codes ...