I have had a Fiesta Zetec 1.4 52 plate since new. After about 5 years or so the engine management light came on. I took it to a Ford dealer and they fitted a small part costing about £150. (I can't remember what it was) The light went off but came back a week or so later. I went back to the dealer and the same happened. I could'nt afford to keep fitting parts so stopped going. When the car has had a service, the light sometimes goes off but always come back a week or so later. Otherwise, the car runs perfectly and always has done. I am now wanting to sell it and this light is going to be a problem and will reduce the price. Has anyone else had this problem and got any suggestion as to what I could do without paying more than the car is worth. The car is in very good condithion and as only done 70,000 miles

First off - do NOT go to Ford with it! They're getting into the habit of just changing random parts at the customer's expense and I don't like that sort of nonsense. Do the job right, bill the customer once, and that's that - in an ideal world, at least.

All you need to do is take it to a small garage (who DO value their reputation, normally), and get them to read the DTC codes. That should lead them/you to the cause of the problem.

Until you do that it could really be anything. Though, likely only a minor problem as there's no effect on performance.

Probably related to a sensor fault.

Thank you for your prompt replies. I did take it to my local independant garage a few years ago, where I have it serviced and mot'd and they put it on their computer, but they were honest and said that they could'nt find what was causing it and did'nt charge me anything. I shall try and find another garage in one last ditch attempt to sort it, but I fear it could cost more than the car is worth.

Thank you. Graham

I'd suggest buying a cheap code reader, preferably one that you can use on the next car you get too, then check what fault codes are coming up.

Its likely to be a damn site cheaper than going to any garage, independent or not.

Easier to take the clocks off and stab the bulb out for a car like that.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Ford OC mobile app

Easier to take the clocks off and stab the bulb out for a car like that.

That only works if the person you are selling the car to is not aware the light should come on when you turn the ignition on

id say if your totally honest to the buyer and offer to have at an expesnce of about 80quid i think for an aa or rac mechainc to do a full check on the car infront of them and have the report to show nothing could be found to indicate the fault light being on, id be inclinded to be like well nothings been found and its not effecting anything so it could even be a random alarm in the ecu like forgetting to reset the service light or something, or something stupid like a sensor that isnt even used due to the spec of the car ie a high spec would use the sensor and yours doesnt, so i wouldnt really worry about it if the buyers clear on everything you have done to find the fault and nothing has come up then i dont see a problem with it just a stupid random mystery :L

Thank you for your replies, you have certainly given me something to think about. I definately want to be honest with the buyer, and as you say, I could get a diagnostic report or even have it done with the buyer present.

Thank you all for your help.

Graham