Any ideas???
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 101
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Any ideas???
The other day I was out driving on the highway about 15 miles out of town and the wrench light on my dash came on. Nothing screwy with the way the truck was running - no puking, belching or hiccups. I would have never even noticed the light had I not passed a cop and looked down to check my speed. I noticed the light then.
My manual says it has something to do with the "electronic throttle control" and when I called the place where I go to have it worked on, they tell me they need to run a "diagnostic" on it to determine the cause - at a loss to me of $300.00 before we even find out what's wrong.
Has anyone else run into this problem or can you give me some ideas of what it may be (and how big a bite this may take out of my wallet)? If I have an idea what may be causing this I can sorta plan when and how I can get it fixed.
My manual says it has something to do with the "electronic throttle control" and when I called the place where I go to have it worked on, they tell me they need to run a "diagnostic" on it to determine the cause - at a loss to me of $300.00 before we even find out what's wrong.
Has anyone else run into this problem or can you give me some ideas of what it may be (and how big a bite this may take out of my wallet)? If I have an idea what may be causing this I can sorta plan when and how I can get it fixed.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
For that kind of coin you can invest in Auto Enginuity for your home computer that will have some VERY powerful diagnostics for your truck. Your wrench light can have many meanings besides electronic throttle control depending on when it was last flashed at the dealership.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 4
From: Claremore, OK
$300 just to tell you what codes are stored? Wow, I hope they at least buy dinner before they screw you like that. Like Tim has pointed out, for another $60 ($360 from RiffRaff) you could have your own AE for diagnosing the codes/troubles yourself.
Riffraff Diesel: AutoEnginuity Total Ford Enhanced Bundle
If you don't want to shell out the money, you could check the Alaska chapter and see if there is someone in your area that might have one and be willing to help you out.
Alaska FTE chapter:
Alaska Chapter - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Riffraff Diesel: AutoEnginuity Total Ford Enhanced Bundle
If you don't want to shell out the money, you could check the Alaska chapter and see if there is someone in your area that might have one and be willing to help you out.
Alaska FTE chapter:
Alaska Chapter - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
Likes: 155
From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
I'd swing by an AutoZone or somthing. Most of them will put a code scanner on it for free. While this isn't the same thing as "running diagnostics" it could point you in the right direction. If the light was on you almost certainly have a code stored. Some of the inexpensive scanners at the parts store may not read "manufactures specific" codes, but if they can get it, write it down and post back.
$300 would buy a very capable code scanner/diagnostic tool with change left over
. Put another $60 with it and you could buy some of the best software available as zhilton mentioned above.
$300 would buy a very capable code scanner/diagnostic tool with change left over
. Put another $60 with it and you could buy some of the best software available as zhilton mentioned above.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
While it won't tell you everything a cheap code reader from Auto Zone Actron is only $50 not sure how much it reads on the diesel... since it is really for gas. For $160 you can buy a scan guage and get guages as well as code reader (once again I am not sure if that will read all the codes.). Last but not least while I imagine there is some fluctuations due to region. When I brought my truck in about 3 weeks ago a FULL Diagnostic procedure it was $150 and that was at the FORD DEALERSHIP.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
The other thing to consider or find out or atleast ask about. Most places will refund/void/ Reimburse/ discount or some other version the diagnostic fee if they get to do the repair. I had that happen with my EGR/oil cooler. (warranty or I would have done it myself). Brought truck into Ford since they didn't "trust" my gages.. Had to pay the $150 but got it all refunded out of my portion of the repair bill when the mechanic said... yep you are right.... delta was 2 high.
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