Running rough ? Engine light flashing

[sniper steve]

Start with the simple things, like everybody else has said here. Get yourself some new plugs, clean out your MAF(just a spray can on the sensor), fuel filter, air filter, etc. Even if this doesn't fix the problem, you at least know what ISN'T the problem, and you just did a tune up on your truck. Double check all the connectors, plugs, wires, etc. You can check each injector individually using a timing light. Run by Autozone or another parts store and have them hook up their OBD machine, and maybe that will lead you in the right direction. The computer will save any codes that have been throw, until it is reset by a mechanic. You can do all of this on your own, in an afternoon. Start small first, because if you bring it into the shop, they WILL tell you it's something serious, and it WILL cost you a lot of money.

[DJM]

should still throw a code....since you're going to the parts store, have them scan it

This^.Do yourself a favor and find out what is actually wrong with it before you start throwing parts at it.You can spend alot of money and not fix the problem.

DJ

[blacksunshine]

This^.Do yourself a favor and find out what is actually wrong with it before you start throwing parts at it.You can spend alot of money and not fix the problem.

DJ

^^^^^

[DJM]

Start small first, because if you bring it into the shop, they WILL tell you it's something serious, and it WILL cost you a lot of money.

Ya,especially when you break off 2 or 3 plugs in the process THEN decide to let a mechanic fix it right.

DJ

[Big Daddy]

I am one for letting pros do what pros do. Have a decide between Canton and Mineola Ford dealers. Have a relationship with Mineola Dodge service manager but not Ford. Anyone use either ?

[blacksunshine]

If I remember correctly, the plugs they put in know are rated at 100k miles...???

[JP8]

Ya,especially when you break off 2 or 3 plugs in the process THEN decide to let a mechanic fix it right.

DJ

Yep the dealer charges about 65.00 per a broken plug and about 350.00 for the job, but they have the tools to take it out. You can buy the isle (spelling) tool online to have just incase you break a plug. There is a TSB on how to change your plugs out there, you need to run a fuel cleaner through the truck, loosen plugs one turn, let them soak in PB blaster, loosen more.... It goes something like that but there are plenty of right ups on the F150s sites, just make sure to do your research before you tackle those plugs as they are not like most.

[ladrones]

I ran trough a really bad rain storm a couple of months ago and my truck did the same thing. I isolated the problem to a coil pack.

[dac6933]

That model is known for bad coils. I have the same truck that doing the same thing now. ford dealer will charge you about 500 bucks. Auto place here in Allen will do it for 130 bucks.

[sniper steve]

Ya,especially when you break off 2 or 3 plugs in the process THEN decide to let a mechanic fix it right.

DJ

You make a valid point. I've dealt with these two piece plugs before, and I know what you're talking about, they can be tricky, and the shops LOVE to charge to fix your mistakes. But if you're the type of guy who breaks one plug, tries it again and breaks two, and says go ahead and let's break three, you shouldn't be working under the hood in the first place. So I'll edit what I said: if you're mechanically inclined and feel confident you can handle changing some tricky spark plugs, go for it. If you have no idea what you're doing, or are unsure, have a pro do it. I just hate paying somebody else to do something I can do myself. No offense meant to anybody, just throwing my two cents out there.

[twistedmidnite]

i would start with the fuel filter, air filter and plugs. The 100k miles plugs are a joke. If you havent already i would have them changed. They seize to the head before 100k miles and that means the heads have to be pulled and the plugs tapped out...