1997 Ford Expedition: check engine light

Filed Apr 8, 2010 · Engine · 233,357 miles · CA

I have a 1997 ford expedition, my 15 year daughter and I was driving on 10 freeway going eastbound towards san beradino, when my check engine light started flashing a then I heard a loud pop under my hood as my truck started to lose power and make loud popping sounds. I was terrified cause this happen as I was going between 65 and 70 miles per hour on free way. Once I coasted safely to side of freeway and examined under my hood I see my spark plug wire laying to the side and spark plug laying on axle I was in disbelief until I tried to pick up spark plug and it was too hot, to hold in my hand yes this was my spark plug! It had been spit out of the engine. This is very dangerous once this happens your truck lose power and slows down tremendously, I had my truck towed to shop. I knew I would have a hard time explaining this to mechanic, because I'm a woman and mechanic was not going to believe me, but he stated that it was common in ford trucks, the same thing happen to him and when he contacted dealer they did not acknowledge that there is an issue with they're spark plugs. My question is does some have to be killed before you guys do something it cost me $400 dollars to repair this and it could have cost me my life mechanic stated that it could happen again and maybe I should get rid of it as he sold his navigator after his incident. Would not feel right putting someone else thru this. As I research this issue I see I'm not the only one and this is not an isolated incident. This has happened enough times to enough people for ford to be held accountable.

Filed Jul 17, 2009 · Engine · 177,648 miles · NC

I have a 1997 ford expedition, engine coils were replaced , check engine light went off and there was no jump in acceleration. 2 weeks later check engine light back on.

Filed Jan 16, 2009 · Engine · 131,000 miles · WI

Spark plug blew out of cylinder #6 while traveling at highway speed. This resulted in a loud noise and a check engine light, strong smell of gasoline. Due to outside temperatures of -10 deg f car was driven to nearest exit, lucky there was no fire.

Filed Jul 18, 2008 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NY

In a matter of 9 months, my 1997 ford expedition has misfired and blown out spark plug 4 times now. Has cost me over $3,000 in repairs. The last time it happened my truck smelled like fire, but never ignited. My check engine light is now on for a 5th time, the truck is misfiring again and it is only a matter of time before another blowout occurs.

Filed Dec 22, 2006 · Electrical, Transmission · PA

I have a 1997 ford expedition which has had the following symptoms: the fan blower stays on while truck is off, the battery dies for no apparent reason after truck has sat unused for short periods, various lights on instrument panel come on and off while driving(including ABS, airbag, all 4wd related lights, low wash, check engine), overdrive light blinks, speedometer doesn't work, truck doesn't accelerate and shift properly, radio comes on when truck is off. Clicks and beeps can be heard sometimes when in use and off. The dealer said the gem and fuse box were damaged by water leaking from windshield. They replaced parts(for $600 and told me that I had to go and get the windshield fixed. I asked how they knew the water was certainly coming from windshield, and they said because of location etc. And I asked them what will happen if it rains after I pick it up and before it gets looked at. They said I'd be fine if it's within a few days ("just don't wait a month"). Well I picked it upon the evening, and made an appointment for the next day for windshield. It rained overnight, though I even covered the area as best I could. I woke up to the radio blaring from my truck. I turned the truck on, shut it back off, radio still played so I shut its power off. As I drove to work, some of the other things started to happen again as well. I am not happy that (a) I have had to pay for ford's inadequate workmanship and (b) I now have to fight with them about what is going to happen now since the rain has already screwed it up again because they left it in my hands before the leak was fixed. That truck never should have left their garage until it was taken care of. I don't know why they couldn't do it themselves, but they could have at least had the glass company come and do it there. This clearly is a common problem with expeditions, and I think ford should be forced to do something about it. Electrical malfunctions are not something to let.

Filed Mar 21, 2005 · Electrical · 42,000 miles · OH

Check engine light comes on stays on. At first, I was told this was being caused by a gas cap not holding pressure. I purchased a new gas cap which seem to take care of the problem and the computer was reset by taking the cable off the battery. This last about a month until I was told it was the evap can solinoid, which was replaced under the extended warranty purchased. The computer was reset by removing the cable from the battery. This lasted about a month and was told to check the gas cap and the computer reset by removing the battery cable. The check engine light will go out with fresh tank of high octane gas, but will reappear with lower grade of fuel after a while. I am told now that 1 of 4 o2 sensors are bad and need to be replaced. Furthermore, it is recommended that all 4 o2 sensors be replaced ($150/ea) at the same time. I am relucntant in believing the cause of the check engine light as I have had this problem way too many times to throw down $700 on something may or may not work. Ohio emissions test will automatically fail your vehicle if the check engine light is on. There needs to be record some place so that owners can fight back if they pass their emissions test, but can't get the certificate if the check engine light is on. I have wasted too much money and time trying to diagnose and fix this check engine light.

Filed Mar 7, 2005 · Electrical · CA

The consumer was unable to start the vehicle. The engine light illuminated the dash board and flashed very fast. It made a clicking noise in the front end of the vehicle. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the keys and, the PCM, the PCM burned out again, and the consumer was told some wires were pulling from the front to the transmission. The vehicle is out of service again with the same problem. Please provide any further information.

Filed Aug 30, 2004 · Body, Electrical · 65,000 miles · NY

Paint and finish on roof of vehicle peeling, cracking, flaking off - oxidation from rust, ruining entire outer car surface - have been advised that primer coat was either missed or skimped during the production process... Ford will not address this issue - one male rep from ford stated: "the paint job is only supposed to last 2 years" not an acceptable answer...also, child safety locks engage themselves, thus preventing occupants in rear seats to exit vehicle, can cause injury or death in an emergency situation... Also, vehicle rear wheels and or axels "chatter" at low speed turns... Also, an audible hum in vehicle at normal highway speeds...also, audible squeaking from interior side panels...ford dealer states: cause cannot be located...also, leather seats have cracked and show signs of abnormal wear - this is apparant in all leather seat coverings but especially in the front "bucket" or "captain" seats...ford states warranty for vehicle no longer covers -engine has had several episodes of "misfiring" of "revving" on it's own - has been explained away as a "computer" problem or a "sensor" problem - always at cost to consumer..."check engine" light has come on on numerous occasions, using previous explanations as stated previously. Have numerous invoices for replacements of sensors, computer chips, etc.

Filed Jun 5, 2000 · Engine · NE

Charcoal cannister on fuel tank clogs w/ dirt from gravel road, causes engine light to come on. I paid to replaced it with a re-designed part & dealer still repeatedly has to clean new 1 out. He says this happens to 97s & 98s. This is a pressure relief valve. Now I'm told to buy another new one with no guarantee it won't clog. I'm driving with it clogged. Who knows if pressure will build in the tank. Complaints to ford have been useless. I live in the country. Cannot avoid gravel road. This SUV is advertised to handle this kind of driving. Our ford pickup and jeep cherokee don't do this. I want ford to come up a part that works.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · CA

Check engine light constanly comes on since new.

Filed May 28, 1997 · Engine · PR

After the check engine light came on, the vehicle suddenly stopped, causing accident.