When your 2005 Ford Escape XLT's "Check Engine" light comes on, it means you car's computer has detected a problem. You have two choices: you can either take the car to a mechanic and pay a diagnostic fee or you can take the money you would have spent and buy an Onboard Diagnostics-II (OBD-II) scanner. This computer device will end paying for itself, as it will save you from having to pay a diagnostic fee on any car.
Located the Ford Escape's diagnostic outlet. It is under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle.
Plug the scanner into the diagnostic outlet and turn it on.
Turn the car on.
Wait for the scanner to recognize the car. The error code should pop up fairly quickly. If it doesn't, look at the diagnostic port and ensure that the device is plugged all the way in.
Write the code down on a slip of paper and turn your car off. Turn the scanner off and disconnect it.
