My light just came on this A.M In my '97F150 5.4L. as I tried to go for a ride in our New England Blizzard. It's idling poorly and running very rich. Can anyone point me in the right direction. Thanks. AF

 

Hello.
Burrrrrr. I would see if a parts store can check the codes for you. There are a few that wont charge for this, like AutoZone, or AdvanceAuto Parts. Let us know what the code number is, this would be a good start point. Welcome to FTE.
Time for something hot. ummmm.

Dave P.

 

If it's running rich after being warmed up it could be the ECT went south, cheapest and easiest by far and fairly likely. Fuel pressure regulator could be stuck. Or if it's only rich at idle, the vacuum line to the fuel pressure regulator could have come off. If it ONLY does it when cold and QUITs when it's warmed up, the MAF could be bad or disconnected. Wiggle the connectors to everything before condemning them. A little moisture can screw up a connector when it freezes and expands.

Let us know when it happened. Before then engine warmed up, after the engine warmed up, or both. Only at idle, only at off idle or both? When did the light first come on?

 

Get the code first. Don't start fishing until you know where the fish are.

Good luck,
Doc

 

Yeah, I was able to get someone to look at it yesterday. The code was a misfire on #8 which caused the rough and rich condition. Seems this nast blizzard drove snow right up in to the engine compartment resulting in water down to the coil and plug. Hmmm. Any thoughts on preventing this short of moving south. Those coils an plugs aren't cheap. Thanks. AF

 

The COPS have been a weak point. I would advise you get the latest Motorcraft coils from Ford, and use dielectric grease around all terminal seals.

Oh wait, ...a '97 wouldn't have COPs. But do use the dielectric grease.