Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Check Engine Light

I have a 97 contour SE. I scanned the forums but no answers. On the way home from school a couple days ago my check engine light came on. It was a hot day and all, but I popped the hood and all vital fluids were at perfect levels, the air filter was clean, and everything looked intact. I ignored the light for 3 days but now I have to get it scanned at a shop. There is no apparent loss of power or gas mileage either. I bought my car 5 months ago and only major maintenance done was new plugs at 82,000. CEL came on at about 84,500. Is it true that CEL's can come on for no reason when your odometer hits a certain mileage? Otherwise I am lost and asking for any advice or things to check before I take it to the shop. I hope its nothing major cuz I'm kind of cheap.

Thanks.

Many causes for CELs (read FAQ for list), mileage is not one of them.

Autozone reads codes for n/c.

Post again for advice when you have code(s).

Quote:

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Is it true that CEL's can come on for no reason when your odometer hits a certain mileage?

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No, there is always a reason, even on those vehicles that do activate the CEL due to service intervals. Fords do NOT do this.

Have the codes read, then post the exact codes here for discussion. The codes(s) will be in the format of PXXXX where XXXX = a 4 digit number. Write them down EXACTLY.

Steve