So is it just Fords that the check engine comes on? I have a Focus and the check engine light has been on for about 2,000 miles now and I can't get it to go off. I've had it checked and reset by the exhaust mechanics twice now and it keeps coming back on. I want to trade it in, but afraid it will mess up the trade in value if it seems to have engine trouble.
As you have found, resetting it is sort of like putting a piece of black tape over the light. Unfortunately, resetting it might also have the undesirable effect of erasing the history, potentially making diagnosis somewhat more difficult.
You can also read the code(s) yourself by getting a "CarChip" which easily attaches to your OBD-II port and records a lot of what your car is doing (e.g. speed, coolant temp, engine RPM, etc.) every 5 seconds. Then, you can download it all to your PC and, using the included software, see a whole lot of interesting (if useless) information about how you drive.
CarChip is available at stores like AutoZone and, for a lot less money, on eBay. I love the way mine helps me keep tabs on my 170K-mile '97 Ford Crown Vic (and my kids' driving :-).
Sounds like it. It happened to my Escape too. I took it to the shop and $28 later I had a new EGR valve and no check engine light.
Check your fuel tank cap. When that is not secure it can cause your check engine light to come on.
Can't diagnose it unless you tell me what code it is throwing.