Since the early 1990s, with the introduction of OBD-II engine monitoring, all production vehicles in the United States have come equipped with a malfunction indicator lamp which many people commonly refer to as a check engine light or emissions light. The light will turn on when the engine computer detects a malfunction in the drive train, the drive train management system, the fuel system or the emissions systems. Once the light is shining on your Ford Escape, you will need to have the problem diagnosed and repaired before you can turn the light off.
Get in the driver seat and locate the diagnostic connection port, which is under the driver's side dashboard. The port is rectangular, roughly 1/2inch tall by 1 inch wide with a plastic cover on it that has the letters “DTC” embossed in the face of the cover.
Remove the cover to the diagnostic connection port and connect the datalink cable from your scan tool to the port. You can purchase a scan tool at most auto parts retailers or through local professional tool vendors. Make sure the scan tool is compatible with Ford vehicles.
Insert the key into the ignition. Refer to the scan tool’s specific owner’s manual and follow the procedure for running a self test on the system and run the test.
Clear the code when prompted to do so by the scan tool. This will shut the light off.
Complete the test and disconnect the datalink cable when prompted to do so by the scan tool. Once you have disconnected it, replace the port’s cover to prevent the port from getting dirt and dust inside.
