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yesterday while driving for no apparent reason my CEL came on, there were no noises or anything to alert me of what may have tripped it. then driving to work this morning it just went off. Can I still get the code(s) read if it isn't on? I'm going to do a 2400-mile round trip drive to Georgia on tuesday so I was curious if I should be concerned over this and if the codes are still stored for retrieval. Thanks! FYI two days prior I just had the oil and transmission fluid changed. Car just turned 77,777 mi. on the way into work 
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Kenneth Clark
'96 Mystique GS Zetec ATX
Pacific Green
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Originally posted by kclark21:
Can I still get the code(s) read if it isn't on?
Yes, the codes are stored in the computer for a while before they are deleted.
96 Contour SE
Duratec V6 24-valve 2.5L ATX
108,000 mi.
Replaced: crankshaft w/ DMD, EGR valve (clogged), EVR, DPFE, PCV valve, evap emissions hose & tube (cracked), window regulator (broken), LH & RH PCV tubes, UIM gasket (leak), ignition coil
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Go on your trip. If the light comes on and the engine is still running fine, don't panic.
In most cases, the CEL means the computer has found something out of spec in the emissions control system and has turned on the light to let you know to have the system scanned to determine the cause of the indication.
At 77K miles, you have several sensors and components that may be reaching the end of useful life. Most common are the oxygen sensors. The CEL can also be caused by something as simple as a fuel cap that was not installed properly.
AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts are among chain stores that will, in most areas, read your computer codes for free. If you take advantage of this service, be certain to record the exact codes. Post them here for discussion and help in diagnosing the cause of the code.
Steve
98 Contour SE Sport 2.5 Duratec ATX The wifey's car
89 Taurus SHO - 246K miles
94 SHO ATX - 190K
1997 F-150 5.4L ATX - The Workhorse 150K.
ANY THREAD WITH "OMG" or "WTF" ETC IN THE TITLE WILL BE IGNORED!
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Originally posted by kclark21:
... I'm going to do a 2400-mile round trip drive to Georgia on tuesday. ...
With that as the goal, I wouldn't worry about Check Engine Light (as per prior post), I'd worry about flashing lights appearing in rear view mirror. 
Took me 16 hrs overnight from here(Toronto) to Atlanta one-way.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 163,000km
97 Contour LX v6 atx 163,000km
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Wow What stamina!!!!!!!!
Paul
Paul
98 Mystique LS 2ea (07/97)(08/98)
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impressive. I think my Zetec is gonna have a harder time doing the run in 16 hours.. I'm planning on 19 between two drivers.
thanks for the reassurance, my gas cap was on correct.. so i'll just wait and see! cheers!
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Kenneth Clark
'96 Mystique GS Zetec ATX
Pacific Green
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well.. driving back from Georgia the CEL came on, two hours later the speedo died and the transmission started revving. Pulled off the highway and to a Ford Dealer to learn the Speed Control Unit (or something) died and when that goes it keeps the ATX from shifting rendering it undrivable...don't ask me why... Plus parts weren't available till Monday, so I was stuck in Salisbury, N.C. all weekend. Now the car seems fine..figured thats what the CEL was about. but just yesterday after getting back to Vermont and driving to work, the CEL came back on  .. checked all the fluids, they seem fine as does the gas cap. out of ideas..
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Kenneth Clark
'96 Mystique GS Zetec ATX
Pacific Green
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Sorry to hear about your problems on the trip. Sounds like your VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) died. It feeds signal to electric speedo as well as PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Failure meant neither you nor car knew speed at which you were travelling.
Unrelated to your prior CEL but you should now get the code read at Autozone and post for advice.
98 Mystique LS v6 atx 163,000km
97 Contour LX v6 atx 163,000km
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and what did the ford dealer charge you for the repair of replacing the VSS?????
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the VSS was $40 plus $70 to diagnose and another $110 to install  then add in the cost of hotels, time, etc, etc.. it wasn't a good weekend 
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Kenneth Clark
'96 Mystique GS Zetec ATX
Pacific Green
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