2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Owner Guide 6th Printing - Page 9

Instrumentation 3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely tightened. These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Check Engine light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required. If the Check Engine light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. Light is blinking: Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire. Check fuel cap Momentarily illuminates when the CHECK ignition is turned to the ON position FUEL to ensure your bulb is working. CAP When this light turns on, check the fuel filler cap. Continuing to operate the vehicle with the check fuel cap light on, can activate the Service Engine Soon/Check Engine warning light. When the fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a period of normal driving. This period will vary depending on driving conditions. It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an improperly installed fuel filler cap. For more information, refer to Fuel filler cap in the Maintenance and care chapter. 9