CEL w/87 octane, no CEL w/90

[Cris'pus]

So i just bought my 98 Duratec and not too long after (off the lot for 2 hours of course) it popped a CEL. So I wasn't too happy. But it was near empty so I fueled at my usual place Husky/Mohawk where you get mid-grade or 90 octane for the price opf regular. The CEL goes off. Hapy happy joy joy.

I refill while i'm visiting the US at 87 octane. The CEL comes on. I use up most of that gas and two tanks later of my 90, and the CEL is gone.

What's happening here? And what maintenance should I be doing?

 

[Nezerconezer]

Close the gas cap tightly. J/k but this should be posted in the trouble shooting area.

 

[Cris'pus]

Close the gas cap tightly. J/k but this should be posted in the trouble shooting area.

Man I'm like a newbie again....

I never did like how that cap tightened lol

 

[Tony2005]

Close the gas cap tightly....

It could be the gas cap but you won't know unless you have the code read. Get the CEL code read (free) at Advance or Autozone.

 

[SVTJON87]

could your knock sensor be comming into play?

 

[Cris'pus]

It could be the gas cap but you won't know unless you have the code read. Get the CEL code read (free) at Advance or Autozone.

Live in Canada, don't have those stores. And none in my area for free. I'll have to use my code reader I never used. The code should be stored then you're assuming...

 

[Tony2005]

... The code should be stored then you're assuming...

Yeah, I missed the "two tanks later ...., and the CEL is gone" part. It is most probably your gas cap not being screwed on tight (in your haste to leave the US ) .

 

[TGO]

could your knock sensor be comming into play?

i would say possibly. if it's not something as simple as the gas cap being on properly (which i might add has never been an issue with either of the contiques our family has owned - one pre98 and one SVT :laugh: )

Unless you can pull the codes yourself, i would get them checked when and if the light comes on again.

Running a higher octane would only be a band aid.

 

[projectSHO89]

There is nothing about octane that will cause a CEL.

Look elsewhere, starting with your actual codes.

Steve