I have a 2006 escape hybrid and the check engine light pops on and off, any ideas?

[greenandfrustrated]

I have tried to read the obdII code, but when I turn off the vehicle the code clears. I am afraid to apply the reader with the vehicle running. It happens in warm weather as well as cold. I also used to hear a sound like water hitting a hot pipe in the summer after running a/c. Potentially a leak in the exhaust?

 

[DanS]

watter hitting a hot pipe is probably your ac driping on to the exhaust. the on and off soulds like a lose plug or wire,