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5.4 rough idle

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Old Oct 16, 2011 | 07:45 PM
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5.4 rough idle

I have a 2006 f150 I just bought after my F250 was stolen. It has about 70k miles. It has been running pretty rough ever since I got it. It finally threw codes so I tried to address all the issues. Changed out a couple coils and all the plugs (motorcraft platinum). The camshaft sensor was also bad. Truck runs much better but still has an idle issue I cant seem to nail down.

I assume its something to do with air intake. It doesnt happen all the time. It runs rough and knocks and sometimes dies. If I give it gas it stops. I read it could be the idle air intake valve, but then I read that this model doesnt have one. I also read that air intake issues dont normally throw codes. Are there any common problems I could look for? Would cleaning the throttle body do any good?

Any help is appreciated. I know the basics, but this kind of thing is tough for me to troubleshoot. You may have already seen me post this problem, but I didnt get much response so I thought I'd try one last time.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2011 | 12:59 PM
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ocastellan
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I am having the same problem with my 06 5.4 but only runs rough when I start it up cold
once it starts to drive and warms up it goes away. I am surprised no one in the forums have any clue.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2011 | 06:14 AM
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It may help to reset the KAM (Keep Alive Memory). That's what I had to do after replacing spark plugs on my 2006 5.4 litre.

Read the link below:
Keep Alive Random Access Memory (RAM) - Ford Forums Online - Ford Discussion & Enthusiast Forum
 
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 09:32 AM
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Alright so the resolution:

Dealer diagnosed the problem as the cam phasers. Ocastellan, I dont think this would be your problem because they said (and I have read) that they act up when the truck is warm which is why I didnt catch it on the test drive. So the dealer said at cost it would be $1300 and they would pay half since I had been complaining starting the day after I bought the truck. They opened up the valves and the diagnosis was a sludged engine. So they bought the truck back.

I do hear the throttle body sticks when its dirty and may function better once the truck warms up so I'd say clean the throttle body and see if that makes a difference. Mine was pretty dirty, but I suppose that was the least of the problems....
 
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 08:17 PM
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what is the best way to clean the throdle body

how is it done
 
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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 12:01 PM
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Cool

Just off the phone with the dealer...but let's back up...yesterday, I took my '04 F-150 in for stalling from idle. Diagnosis: New engine needed ($6500) because of low oil pressure (18-24#) , which causes the timing problems (anything under than 25# won''t let timing auto-adjust)...told them I'd pick it up. Service Rep called back, says mechanic forgot to tell him it also has a throttle body problem ($650) which may cause rpm's to drop, causing low oil pressure (duh...). Forums say to also flash PCM, (which have a new adjustment for old throttle bodies), so I may get them to do that (TSB 08-15-13. This is after $180 worth of diagnosis fees...which didn't tell
Think I'll drive away and maybe get someone else to work on anything after the warranty expires in the future...what a racket!
 
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 10:19 AM
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The mechanics here at my work told me to how to clean the TB and where it is located. If you take off the plastic air intake on top of the truck, right after the air filter it feeds into the TB. (you dont have to take the plasic all the way off, just disconnect). There were 4 bolts and it should pop right off the TB. The mechanics said to use carb/TB cleaner. They said to spray it on a rag and clean everywhere you can inside the TB. I probably dripped some inside bc when it started up it ran a bit rough for a few seconds, but then it leveled off. Again, this was the least of my problems. The TB intake opens straight up (at least on my 5.7). On the chevy they showed me it was sideways.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 10:24 AM
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Arrow

I also found a great how-to at How to clean your engine's throttle body on your Ford F150 ...with pictures! Thanks!
 
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 08:39 PM
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thanks i'll try the iac first
 
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 10:50 PM
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I always try to post the resolution so if you fix your problem let us know.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2015 | 12:11 PM
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Did you ever figure it out.

I have an 2003 Ford Expedition and cold start runs rough drive it a few blocks and it runs much better, Did you ever figure anything out with yours? Thanks




Originally Posted by ocastellan
I am having the same problem with my 06 5.4 but only runs rough when I start it up cold
once it starts to drive and warms up it goes away. I am surprised no one in the forums have any clue.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 05:25 AM
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dtony
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Hi all,

I have a 02 Lincoln Blackwood (fabulous truck) with 120K miles and it used to start up immediately. I have noticed over the couple of months that it seems to take a few extra seconds to start. It also seems to take longer after having been running for a bit. Any ideas where to start in correcting this??

Thanks!!!

Tony in NM
 
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