98 F-150 4.2 V6 Auto

I am new to this forum and also just purchased my first Ford since I owned a Maverick in 1980.

As luck would have it the check engine light came on today. Is there any way to retrieve the codes without having to go to dealer or mechanic?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

AutoZome, Checker, any other auto parts store can check them for you.

Interesting that the check engine light just comes on, the truck isn't talking to you? Noises? My 98 f150 did this, no warning, I had just cleared 100,000 Kms & the light came on. As I was in the mountains all I could do is check all the fluids & peek @ the engine. 200 Km's later it went out, I think it may have been a factory setting to get the truck into the dealer for a "look". I'm now @ 170,000 Km's with only regular maintainace & a rebiult altenator. Anybody with some insite?

I wont promise you , but I will almost bet that your O2 (oxygen) sensor needs to be replaced. It is located in the exhaust pipe about two feet behind the manifold on the passenger side.

I replaced mine at 100,000 and it cost me less than $50