About Ken Surerus Expertise I can answer most questions on most any vehicle with emphasis on Fords, especially vintage Mustangs.
Experience Life experience in all aspects of automotive repair. Self employed since 2001.
Education/Credentials Graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute with high honors, holding a degree in Automotive Technology, my primary area of expertise is in the 1964 1/2-1970 mustangs.
Question I have a 2000 ford explorer xlt - my dealership just informed me that my check engine light is on because i need a new manifold gasket. what is it, what does it do, and do i have to have it repaired right away? I just had the thermostat replaced last week because the gage was moving toward the "H" and the check gage light was coming on. Could these two things be related?
Please advise
Answer Marsha,
The check engine light does not come on when you need a new manifold gasket. If you have a bad intake manifold gasket, it will cause your vehicle to over heat, which will cause the check engine light to come on. If the gasket is extremely bad it will cause white smoke to come from the exhaust pipe and is usually accompanied, in extreme situations with water leaking from the exhaust pipe as well. I would recommend that you take your vehicle to another repair shop for a second opinion as the only way that I would change the intake manifold gasket is if your vehicle was overheating, with water temperatures in excess of normal running conditions or your vehicle exhibits the symptoms that I have indicated here. To replace that gasket will cost in the 500-600 dollar range complete with labor. I hesitate to say that you are being taken but it sounds rather fishy that they say that your check engine light is on because you need a new manifold gasket. I hope that this helps and if you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Good luck.
