Ford Repair: 2000 Ford Taurus, auto part stores, ford taurus

Question
Dear Steve,
Thank God for volunteers like you to help us dummies!

The emissions control light came on in my 2000 Ford Taurus, SE. The car is running just fine. What needs to be checked? How do I turn the emissions control light off? Will it go off automatically if the problem is located and fixed?
Thanks
Jeff

Answer
Jeff-

  To figure out what needs to be checked, you'll have to get the car on a scanner first.  The reason the light is on is because the computer has detected a problem somewhere.  Most auto part stores will scan the computer for free.  To get the light off you'll need to fix whatever caused the problem to begin with.  Sometimes the light will go off by itself after the problem is fixed, sometimes it won't.  If you have a shop do the work, they can clear the light for you.  If you do it yourself there's a simple do it yourself way to reset the light.  Unhook both battery cables then turn the ignition key to the "accessory on" position (the last position before the engine turns over).  Leave it for 20 minutes or so, remove the key, and rehook the battery.  You might even do this before having the car scanned since lights will sometimes be tripped even if there's no problem.  If there is really a problem, the light will eventually come back on (if not immediately).  Hope this helps.

Steve