Hi Everyone: 89 Country Squire with 32K miles. When I come to an abrupt stop, the engine light will come on, then when I accelerate away, it goes off. It also comes on when I take a hard corner. Also, when I start the car, the Engine light stays on longer than it used to (about 5 seconds). Note that this is not the "Check Engine" light, it's the "Engine" light with the picture of the engine in red. When accelerating at times, the car will softly "buck" - though this never happens when on Cruise Control. I live in Vermont and it has been cold. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Slow down, you'll get better fuel mileage and the light won't come on.---Seriously, is that the oil IDIOT LITE? I'VE HAD CARS WHERE THAT WILL BLINK IN THAT WAY.
I'm not familiar with the Ford idiot lights. But 2 thoughts come to mind. First the oil. Is it proper level and is it the proper type, and been changed with the filter like it should? Probably a dumb question but have to ask. I've had cars act like that too when a leak started without me knowing and all of a sudden it was 2 quarts low. Then the fuel. Which is more likely I think. Has the filter been changed recently, or ever? I always knew when the fuel filter needed to be changed on my 6000 wagon, because every time I'd stop quick, it would stall. Cold weather will make the car run worse because it's tougher for the pump to push the fuel through a cold and dirty filter and the pressure at the engine ends up being below spec. If that is good, it might be low fuel pressure from a bad pump. I don't know about your car but mine have a schrader valve to test the pressure where the fuel comes into the engine. Something else to note, are you sure there is as much gas as you think in the tank? Just one thing to check. One time I had a fuel float arm get sticky and hang up when it got cold, so the gauge said there was more gas in the tank and it was really running very low.
I'm guessing the engine light is the oil light. I don't remember exactly. When you come to a "abrupt" stop does the light stay on? If so I'm thinking low oil pressure at idle or....low oil.
In the Crown Vic realm they call that the Change Engine light. I would definitely check the oil level and oil pressure with a real gauge to verify everything is okay. Could be something as simple as a bad sensor or connection on the sensor.
My 1979 doesn't have that light, but the choke runs off the Oil pressure sender, detecting the oil temperature. Works like a charm. Sounds like the fellows are on track, check the oil and oil pressure, both. If you're low on oil, that would explain it coming on when you make harsh turns. If the pressure is low, some seal isn't doing its job properly, especially on a low mileage engine.
Sounds like low oil level, maybe the pick-up fell off the oil pump and it's sucking from higher up and sloshing away on turns and all that? I don't know about Fords but on GM's it you don't tack weld or braze that thing to the pump you're asking for it, just a pressure fit. x2 on checking it with a mechanical oil pressure gauge, then you can see what's really going on, very easy to install if you've never done it. Best to have at least an oil pressure gauge with idiot lights, you can put in a tee and have both. Always use copper line for the gauge too, amazing how fast the oil comes shooting out of that little nylon line when it eventually breaks, don't ask me how I know. Are you positive that the oil level is right? Have you ever changed the oil? It may sound ridiculous but is it the right dipstick and/or dipstick tube for the engine block?, I've been through both of those problems before.
