So I just bought my first F150 this week. I took it out for it's first real trip yesterday and the service engine soon/check engine light came on. The display isn't telling me anything and the truck seems to be running just fine. I have no idea what it could be and the dealership is closed today since it's a holiday here.

The truck:

2013 F150, 5.0L V8

Yesterday's trip:

- Backroads, dusty, washboard surface on some hills were I put it in 4x4 High to smooth out the climb and maintain traction. Roads are very good otherwise. Average speed of 80km/h. No hardcore off roading.

What I've looked at so far:

- We covered about 100+kms of good gravel road, so I checked the air filter to clear it of dust. It was fine.

- I got gas, so I checked the fill port and it was closed properly. I even stuck the fill funnel in and out a few times to be sure.

The engine light is solid, not blinking so what I gather from the manual is this is something emissions related. I'm going to do some more reading and see if I can figure it out.

I don't own a code reader (yet..)

Any ideas? Is this a common thing?

 

Without a DTC, no ideas, suggestions, meaningful advice, etc. can be provided.

After the holiday is there a reason that the dealership can't provide a no-charge diagnosys since it's a 2013?
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Did the light come on right after filling up or was it on prior?

 

I'm sure the dealership will diagnose after the holiday.

The light came on probably 3 or 4 hours after the fill up. Maybe longer. It's actually turned off now. I fired up the truck to move it this morning and the light didn't come on. I'll take it for a spin later today and see if it comes on but I hope the issue has cleared itself up whatever it was.

The manual said something about 3 cold starts resetting the OBD codes, so I wonder if it was the fill port that I fiddled with. I think I started it 2 or 3 times after fiddling with it.

 

I have had issues before with the CEL coming on after filling up. Usually only happens in the hotter, humid months for me. Truck runs fine and after about half a day or so it clears. I did take it in the first time it happened and they said the O2 sensors threw it.

 

My 2012 has coded three times now. Twice it was after refueling.

I've now had three cataytic converters and an O2 sensor. I hope that yours is something simple.

Take Care

Green Gem

 

Did you knock a sensor off your truck with a rock? Ive knocked my abs sensors off my dodge oneton on gravel roads. If its a travel road used by the mining, oilfield or forestry industry i can see this happening.

 

It possible a rock flipped up and hit something. I'd hope a modern 1/2 ton pickup truck would be designed to handle a little bit of gravel though...

The light is off now, so my theory is it had something to do with the fill port. If it comes on again, I'll get it diagnosed and report back.

I plan to buy a code reader in the not so distant future so that I can get an idea of what's happening with my truck without having to take it to a dealer.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

Auto parts stores provide free readers around us. They hold your id.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. Take it to the dealer when you can.