Having an engine fault service now light pop up in your vehicle can be stressful, especially if it pops up on a car like the Ford Transit. This type of car is mainly used for commercial, passenger, or family purposes, so it needs to be reliable to get the job done. In this article, we have researched and asked the experts exactly what this indicator means and what to do when this appears.
Most Ford vehicles may experience an engine fault service now error at least once in their lifetime—especially with cars like the Transit—as they get more miles. This may indicate that there is something wrong with your engine.
You can do a DIY system check if you have the technical know-how. This type of error usually means something is wrong with your ignition, emissions control system, fuel, or sometimes even your transmission. But we still advise you to take your Transit to your nearest Ford dealership or a trusted local mechanic for better diagnosis.
Are you interested in learning more about what engine fault service now means in your Ford Transit? Continue reading as we discuss other related topics that will surely answer your questions. Also, make sure that you stick around until the very end of this article, as we will also be suggesting other informative and related posts that could help you! So go on and finish reading!
What Does Engine Fault Service Now Mean On A Ford Transit - What To Do?
The engine fault service indicator now on your Ford Transit's instrument display can mean many things, not just about your engine.
Potential culprits for this type of fault are trouble code malfunctions like intake air temperature sensor circuit malfunctions, powertrain malfunctions, speed sensor problems, etc. All of which can be determined through the ECM (engine control module).
There are multiple possible reasons for this fault service error to occur. The gradual wear and tear of service parts is unavoidable, particularly with vehicles like the Ford Transit that are heavily used for various reasons. It is bound to have these problems.
Additional factors like frequency of maintenance, driving habits, and proper use should also be considered. These vans are typically driven with heavy equipment for commercial uses, and overloading is a fairly common mistake.
Have It Checked Out By A Professional
Immediately having your vehicle checked by a local dealer or trusted mechanic will surely help iron things out and give you the proper diagnosis of what is causing this fault in your van.
Even if this is a more expensive route in sorting this out, this should be your number one option. Not only will the job be done properly, but you are sure you are getting your money's worth.
Moreover, do not panic if you ever experience this with your Ford Transit as long as you immediately have it repaired and do not wait for further damage to develop. And always be on top of your maintenance, such as your PMS and oil changes.
Check this video for a quick visual explanation of what we discussed above:
How Do You Reset The Engine Malfunction Light On A Ford Transit?
There are two ways to fix an engine malfunction light for your Ford Transit, such as an oil change required message in your dashboard. Depending on your Transit model, you can reset this through your information display or manually. Discussed below are the ways for both options.
Information Display Reset
Resetting using the information display is straightforward. Access the settings of your info display through the buttons on the right side of your steering wheel.
Scroll until you reach maintenance and select it. You will see a selection called AdBlue range, and under it is a display of oil service lights. Select and press okay until it resets.
Manual Reset
If you do not have the information display on your Ford Transit, what you can do is a manual reset. Make sure your vehicle is turned off before starting.
Press the brakes and gas pedal at the same time for at least 30 seconds while simultaneously starting the van. This should easily reset and remove the warning indicator.
Note that these instances can happen even after you have your oil changed. There could be a possible error with your sensors that requires them to be calibrated to eliminate the malfunction. Ensure that you have already changed your oil and are not using this method to neglect your maintenance.
Below is a video tutorial of what we have discussed above:
Will Check Engine Light Reset Itself?
Most of the time, after the repair has been done, the check engine light will reset itself. But in most cases, the lights are manually reset as a reference if the problem is actually fixed. If the light pops back on, then the fault is still there.
It usually takes 10-20 cycles for the check engine light to disappear on its own. The average time for a vehicle depends on many things, but it approximately takes 15 minutes, though this can take longer or shorter depending on the car manufacturer.
So yes, a check engine light will reset itself, but it might take quite some time.
That is why it is a good idea to have it reset by your mechanic using an OBD2 scanner to complete the diagnosis of your vehicle. This will also help indicate if other engine problems need to be fixed.
Click here to see OBD2 scanners on Amazon.
Is It Okay To Drive Your Ford Transit With A Fault Service Now On?
Having a fault service now indicator on is a sign that you have problems with your car, and we do not advise that you continue driving it without having this checked first by a certified mechanic.
Mainly because if left untreated, this can cause significant problems for the malfunctioning part, namely if it is your engine. Although you can drive with the fault service on, we suggest you immediately have it scheduled for a check-up to ensure what is wrong with your vehicle.
This is also a safety concern, as a fault service now is potentially caused by a loss of power in your drivetrain, which can be dangerous while on the road. It is especially true if you have cargo and will be driving on inclined roads.
How Long Can I Drive With Fault Service Now Light On?
We suggest not to drive your vehicle very far if such an error occurs. If you are mid-travel and encounter this error while far away from your destination or a repair shop, it is best to pull over and assess the situation.
Suppose the circumstance does not permit you to have your car towed or wait for an on-call mechanic to have it checked. In that case, we advise that you drive carefully while monitoring for a loss of power or any strange noise coming from the vehicle.
What Are Common Problems With A Ford Transit?
Like any other car, some issues are common with the Ford Transit. Engine, transmission, brakes, HVAC, and windows are some of consumers' most complained about problems.
Some worse-case scenarios were AC not cooling below 70 degrees, the engine losing power, premature wearing out of the brakes, and even throttle body issues. These problems were mostly reported in the 2015-2017 models.
A recall was issued by Ford for their 2016 and 2020 Transit Connect models because of windshield safety. It was found out that the windshield could potentially fall off during a crash which could be fatal to the passengers.
How Reliable Is A Ford Transit And How Long Do They Last?
This will really depend on the use and how the vehicle is taken care of. But on average, you can get roughly 160-300,000 miles out of your Ford Transit without suffering from any major problems. Barring, of course, damage from an accident.
Proper vehicle maintenance and care are pivotal factors in determining how long a vehicle may last. For the Transit, a popular vehicle for commercial use, you can expect roughly 10-16 years of service from the vehicle.
Do note that these variables do not necessarily apply to all Ford Transits. Some do not reach the projected figures, while some surpass them. Model years can also be a factor in your car's lifespan. For the Transit, the 2017-2019 models have been one of their best years.
How Well Does The Ford Transit Hold Its Value Over Time?
A Ford Transit will depreciate roughly 20% from its original value after half a decade. Assuming that you bought the Transit at a sticker price of $50,417 in 2015, you can still get at most $40,298 if you sell it in 2020.
This also assumes that the vehicle was driven only roughly 12,000 miles a year. Factors like cosmetic issues, repair history, legal history, and crash history all have an effect on appraising the value of your Transit.
In Closing
There are multiple reasons why a fault service now may appear on your instrument panel, and it does not necessarily mean that the problem is in the engine alone. You can try to do a scan yourself if you have the proper tools, equipment, and knowledge, but we still recommend that you go to the nearest Ford dealer to have the fault serviced.
Additionally, vehicles that are used daily and see a ton of miles are pretty common having types of problems. That is why regular maintenance and proper care are all essential parts f car ownership that everybody should always observe.
Before you go, take a look at these other posts:
Do Ford Transit Seats Fold Flat? Are They Removable?