check engine light - How to find out what it means

[Wish2345]

i have a 94 ranger with a 2.3l 4 cyl and the CEL is on of course. How can i figure out why its on? Is there a tool i need to scan it with or a truck to get the light to blink to tell u what code it is ??

 

[BlackBII]

Looky here for instructions:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.html
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2digitcodes.html

 

[fordboi415]

code reader at any auto parts store will do the trick

 

[marriedmanw]

Yep, I got the code reader at Advance Auto for $25 which is easier for me than trying to use a multimeter and watching the needle sweep.

 

[Wish2345]

the code reader sounds a whole lot easier

 

[fastpakr]

This is an ancient thread, but as I've landed here by accident I'll point out that you do NOT need to watch a needle sweep on anything but pre-87 RBV's. Later OBD-I vehicles accomplish the same thing by simply watching the check engine light. It's no harder/easier than using the code reader, and $20-30 cheaper.