Ford 6.4L Powerstroke Check Engine Light

Common Causes of a Check Engine Light

There are several commonplace reasons you might see the check engine light blinking on your dashboard. Several of the main examples include: 

• Injector issue: A dirty or malfunctioning fuel injector may cause you to receive a check engine light since the onboard computer will detect fault codes. 
• Turbo issue: Issues with turbo performance like low pressure will often cause a check engine light since the turbo is an essential part of engine operation. 
• Loose fuel cap: A loose or missing fuel cap is a common reason why you might see your check engine light. The cap prevents fumes from leaving the tank and controls the system pressure.
• Low DEF: Over time, low diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) will cause your vehicle to run in reduced power mode, and the engine may shut off until you add more fluid. 

Solutions to a Check Engine Light

Once you’ve identified the issue, use a few reliable fixes to get your Powerstroke engine back on track: 

• Injector: You can typically use a fuel injector cleaner or flushing system to resolve issues with a clogged injector. 
• Turbo: There are several potential causes of a turbocharger issue, so check the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and remove the turbo to inspect it for leaks.
• Fuel cap: It’s always wise to check the top of your truck or the street around the gas pump to see if you misplaced the cap. If the cap isn’t missing, you may need to tighten or replace it. 
• Low DEF: The cure for low DEF is to refill the tank before it’s completely empty. Many trucks will stop driving until it’s replenished. 

What to Do When the Check Engine Light Is On but the Engine Is Running Fine 

The Ford 6.4L Powerstroke notifies you with a DTC when you have engine trouble, so it’s vital to use a scanner to check the issue. A warning light might appear for something non-urgent like a cold air intake or point to a larger problem.

It’s also key to pull over and visually inspect your vehicle for any serious issues like fluid levels, smoke from the exhaust or power loss.

If you need to reset the check engine light, locate the OBD tool plug under the steering wheel assembly, plug the tool in and turn your ignition key to “II.”

Hot Shot’s Secret offers a wide variety of solutions powered by science to fix common issues with Powerstroke engines. Contact our team today to ask questions and find the perfect product to bring your engine back to peak performance.