97 F150 Idle & code troubles...HELP !?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
97 F150 Idle & code troubles...HELP !?
97 F150, 4X4, 4.6L, 148K miles.
Last week I experienced a P0307 code, misfire in #7. I fixed it and 3 days later got it again. Changed all plugs and wires and found a corroded wire. Reset the code and drove. 2 days later I got a P0118, high temperature coolant. Reset the code and drove. This morning when I first started the truck I got the same P0118 code upon startup. How can that be when the truck sat all night long? I’m also experiencing a fluctuating idle between 700 – 1500 rpm in neutral. It seems that the truck had less gas pedal and I need to step harder to brake but this might be my imagination. Upon further examination I found a broken electrical part located on the right side of the motor, directly behind the alternator. It looks like a sensor screwed into the intake manifold. The top half with the wire plug attached is broken off.
Is this a water temp sensor, or if not, what is it?
Is this the cause of my problems or just a coincidence?
This all happened after I changed the plugs and wires. I checked all the vacuum lines to be sure I replaced them all after the tune up. Can anyone help me?
Last week I experienced a P0307 code, misfire in #7. I fixed it and 3 days later got it again. Changed all plugs and wires and found a corroded wire. Reset the code and drove. 2 days later I got a P0118, high temperature coolant. Reset the code and drove. This morning when I first started the truck I got the same P0118 code upon startup. How can that be when the truck sat all night long? I’m also experiencing a fluctuating idle between 700 – 1500 rpm in neutral. It seems that the truck had less gas pedal and I need to step harder to brake but this might be my imagination. Upon further examination I found a broken electrical part located on the right side of the motor, directly behind the alternator. It looks like a sensor screwed into the intake manifold. The top half with the wire plug attached is broken off.
Is this a water temp sensor, or if not, what is it?
Is this the cause of my problems or just a coincidence?
This all happened after I changed the plugs and wires. I checked all the vacuum lines to be sure I replaced them all after the tune up. Can anyone help me?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
If the truck uses the coolant sensor instead of a cylinder head temperature sensor and it's not working, you will have cold start and hot running issues as well as idle issues and poor gas mileage.
This sensor is used by the computer to set fuel, Iac and igntion timing.
Don't even question when you see something like this. Repair it. The intake air temperasture is also used.
It's the only way the computer has to know how to set up for starting under various conditions.
Without temperature feedback signal, the IAC and fuel wander all over the place fighting with each other for control.
You should also get a code for this.
This sensor is used by the computer to set fuel, Iac and igntion timing.
Don't even question when you see something like this. Repair it. The intake air temperasture is also used.
It's the only way the computer has to know how to set up for starting under various conditions.
Without temperature feedback signal, the IAC and fuel wander all over the place fighting with each other for control.
You should also get a code for this.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Bluegrass, once again you saved my a**. It was my intention to replace the coolant sensor but I never thought it would be the cause of all the problems you mentioned. I changed it out this morning and everything is back to normal. I long for the old days when engines were simple and there was lots of room to work. I decided to change the coolant as well so I drained the radiator and got what looks like black coffee out of it. I don't think it's got any oil since I don't see any floating or see that 'rainbow effect' you normally see when a petroleum product mixes with water. I'll probably clean the system with some kind of radiator flush while at it. Thanks again for the info, you guys are the best!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
Your a happy man now.
Hint! When the thermostat is not regulating hot temps within specs this same sesnor detects it and changes the programmed fuel on an ongoing basis, by proxey.
So hot running temps needs to be in the 195 to 200 degree range to meet program average operating parameters.
Good luck.
Hint! When the thermostat is not regulating hot temps within specs this same sesnor detects it and changes the programmed fuel on an ongoing basis, by proxey.
So hot running temps needs to be in the 195 to 200 degree range to meet program average operating parameters.
Good luck.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dlquinton
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Feb 23, 2016 11:00 PM
Heavenword1
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
10
Dec 5, 2007 05:23 PM
miked79928
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Jun 11, 2004 01:07 PM
