I have a 1997 Ford F250 with a 7.5/ 460 gas engine. 119,000 miles. The service engine light comes on after driving about five miles. If you shut it off after five miles and then re-start, the service engine light remains off again for another five miles. Took it to the auto parts store and was unable to locate the plug to check code. Any ideas? Truck runs excellent.

 

It is my understanding that 1996 and newer vehicles use the OBD2 code readers. If you get one, you can read the codes from the EEC (Electronic Emissions Control) port located in the engine compartment. Well, at least mine was in the engine compartment. My EEC plug is in the engine compartment drivers side wheel well near the corner with the fire wall. It is about 3" by 1" and has a protective cap that it is plugged into.

I have a 1995 so I use an OBD1. I had the check engine light come on about the same as what you describe so I bought the code reader and I got the codes. I found that the 'Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor" was reading lean. I replaced the HEGO Sensor, which was about $50, and that fixed that problem (i.e. the check engine light did not come back on)

I figure that the HEGO Sensor reading lean caused the system to run richer which is why I had a strong odor of gasoline some times when I stopped. It was so strong sometimes that I thought I was leaking fuel.

It was a pleasant surprise that the entire fix was fairly easy and affordable.

 

Thanks for the info. Where can you purchase a code reader and how miuch? Or is this something to let an auto parts store try and read. I will look at the location you mentioned. thanks again.

 

I have an OBD 1 and it was about $32 after tax . I have seen code readers up to $200 or so dollars but I do not know what they are supposed to do to be worth that much .
I got mine at Advance Auto but they I have seen them at others parts stores too.

 

The reason your '97 has OBD1 as opposed to OBD2 is because it wasn't a "line"truck. The 460 is a non-standard engine. Special order truck. You can read the codes without a reader on OBD1. You have to jump 2 terminals in the reader connector, then perform specific functions with the steering wheel, brake and fuel pedals, while counting the flashes on the check engine light There used to be a guy that went by Bronco Joe who wrote a step by step procedure on it. If I can find it, I'll re-post it for you.