Stock 2005 Mustang "Check Engine" light comes on...

lwaddict · 10-25-2007

...but there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the car.

I read somewhere that there's a device I can connect to the Mustang that will give me codes but they don't specify the 2005 Mustang in their list of vehicles it supports.

Any help would be greatly appreciate but note that I'm a network techie and not an engine pro.

LW

P.S.: Didn't mean to be rude...allow me to introduce myself, LWAddict stands for Lightwave Addict, I'm a network admin/special effects artist in Central Valley, CA and I LOVE MY STANG.

MUSTANG7 · 10-25-2007

The easiest Thing to look for is your Gas Cap from your Tank. There is a simple System that builds up a little Vacuum in your Fuel Tank. From Time to Time the EVAP ( Evaporative Emission Control System ) performs a "running loss system leak test". If there is a disagree, the CHECK ENGINE light will illuminate. So as a first Step in Troubleshooting check your Filler Cap for Condition especially the Gasket / O-Ring.
You can also connect a OBD 2 Scanning Tool. The Connector is below your Steering Wheel on the LH Side. This Tool shows you any existing Fault with a Code #. These Code Numbers are related to the OBD 2 Diagnosis System and not for a specific Car. It'll work on a BMW the same Way like on your Mustang.
AutoZone has a good Tool from Actron for about $180. But I suggest first to go the cheapest Way: Check your Filler Cap.
Good Luck,
Lightshow.

2005_v6_mustang · 10-25-2007

I bought a OBDII reader from Wal-mart when I bought the car. It read all my codes without error. It was only 65 bucks or so. Good tool to have if you don't have a tuner. Now I have a tuner that gives me all my codes. Yay for modding.

EliotGT · 08-13-2009

My check engine light came on for the first time and sure enough my gas cap was loose. With the motor off I tightenend it and after starting my 05 GT vert, the engine light is still on. Turned it off and started it again and the light is still on. Will it reset eventually? Any other ideas?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MUSTANG7

The easiest Thing to look for is your Gas Cap from your Tank. There is a simple System that builds up a little Vacuum in your Fuel Tank. From Time to Time the EVAP ( Evaporative Emission Control System ) performs a "running loss system leak test". If there is a disagree, the CHECK ENGINE light will illuminate. So as a first Step in Troubleshooting check your Filler Cap for Condition especially the Gasket / O-Ring.
You can also connect a OBD 2 Scanning Tool. The Connector is below your Steering Wheel on the LH Side. This Tool shows you any existing Fault with a Code #. These Code Numbers are related to the OBD 2 Diagnosis System and not for a specific Car. It'll work on a BMW the same Way like on your Mustang.
AutoZone has a good Tool from Actron for about $180. But I suggest first to go the cheapest Way: Check your Filler Cap.
Good Luck,
Lightshow.

sixers007h · 08-13-2009

Just go to autozone, they will check you code for free, and if it was your fuel cap, they can reset it. Thats truely the only way to know what it wrong, its a million possibilities.

texanwitharake · 08-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by EliotGT

My check engine light came on for the first time and sure enough my gas cap was loose. With the motor off I tightenend it and after starting my 05 GT vert, the engine light is still on. Turned it off and started it again and the light is still on. Will it reset eventually? Any other ideas?

After three consecutive times the test is run with no error the code will reset it self and the mil will turn off. Go to AutoZone or Advanced and have them run the codes anyway just to be safe, you dont want to be driving around with a problem. Also depending on the code AutoZone or Advanced might reset it for you.

**pcfrisch** · 08-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by EliotGT

My check engine light came on for the first time and sure enough my gas cap was loose. With the motor off I tightenend it and after starting my 05 GT vert, the engine light is still on. Turned it off and started it again and the light is still on. Will it reset eventually? Any other ideas?

You have to go through a few driving cycles first. It may take a day or two.
If you had a tuner, you could also reset it that way.
Ford would charge you around 70 bucks.

EliotGT · 08-14-2009

I had the Code p0456 checked and cleared at Advance Auto. Thanks all.