I searched the forum and didn't see reference to this problem so forgive me if I missed it and am duplicating here...

I have a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT AWD with a V6 (59,500 miles). I pull a boat all summer. It has never given me a problem. Last weekend, I filled up at a Marathon station and my "Service Engine Soon" light came on. I checked my gas cap, checked my book and thought maybe I got bad gasoline so I ran that tank out and filled up at a station I have always used... the light is still on.

Is this common? Could this be serious? Is there anything I can check and/or do myself before taking it to the dealer? Is there a way to get the code for the problem?

Any help or advice you can give will be greatly appreciated!

 

You need a code reader to pull the code. Many auto stores, like Autozone, will do it for free. If you go that route or buy your own reader take a note of the code so you can post it here for advice. there are also other sites that list error codes and what they mean.

 

Thanks Lazy K. I'll go to Auto Zone and see what they can tell me. I'll be happy to post what they find here.

 

Did anyone figure out the problem? I am having a similar problem. I filled up the tank which I suspected was bad gas but we have refilled the tank and the light is still on.

thanks,
Wayne

 

I bought a new gas cap and installed it. $35.00 at the dealer. I could tell mine was broke because it wouldn't click. Disconnected the battery and reconnected to clear the code. SEL light has been off ever since.

 

I will give that a shot. I could probably find a gas cap at autozone?

 

Yes, they have a Stant standard cap and locking cap at Autozone & Advance Auto.

 

fyi...the light merely means one of the subsystems of the vehicle is out of parameter. Virtually everybody is in agreement that as long as the vehicle is still operating nicely and the fuel economy hasn't tanked, ignore it. Sometimes the computer will make an adjustment to the way it operates because of the sensor's message. Now the vehicle may be using excess fuel because a course correction was made when none is really needed.

 

It is running fine. Just that annoying light. I know there is a TSB concerning the light and fuel gauge on the 2005 explorer. I perfer not to take it in to be serviced.

 

I can't figure out where to plug in a code reader to a 2005 ford explorer xlt.

 

look where your emergency brake release handle is on left side of lower dash

 

i have the problem as well and its time for inspection which wont pass in ny with a SES light on,or so I am told.

 

having the problem on a 2005 explorer

 

What problem, just he SES light or you cannot find the location of the diagnostic connector? Have you tried getting the codes read at your local auto parts store?

-Rod

 

When filling up at any gas station, shut the car off.
The fuel/ evap system is typically a sealed system when the truck is running. When you are re-fueling, the "seal" is broken and over a period of time this can set the CEL light or service engine soon light.
Of course, gas caps can fail.......