Engine dying while driving 2010 4.6
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 873
Likes: 37
From: Ohio
I’ve never heard of O2 sensors being bad with out throw a CEL, so that does not seem like the answer.
Last edited by unibody62; Jan 9, 2019 at 05:31 PM. Reason: Correction
New User
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Not sure this helps and I am sure many 4.6l experts can shoot holes in this, but I have had a couple of vehicles with the 4.6l engine and both have suffered from the same common issue. That issue is cracked coil packs. While one cracked coil pack will eventually trigger a check engine light and code, it is not always right away. Cracked coil packs can also be affected by moisture in various ways. And multiple cracked coil packs, which can happen suddenly, can cause stalling. I have found that the best way to solve the issue is to replace the offending coil pack and spark plug as identified during a code/check engine light sequence by plugging it into an OBD2 sensor (Fords identify misfiring cylinders by number). When I had no code, only by changing all of the coil packs does the issue find an easy resolution (though not so easy). Typically, I would say a coil pack goes sometime between 80k and 120k miles. Weird weather can trigger a crack on older packs.
New User
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 5
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Cracked coil pack are worse when wet. I assume because moisture on a cracked coil can cause shorting and then a misfire. I have experienced this issue a few times over the last 20 years with Fords.
New User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 20
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Is the fix to change all coil packs and plugs? Truck has nearly 87k miles, neither have been replaced. Would a crack be visible? Obvious?
New User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
So i bought some coil packs. Dg508 motorcraft. They were wrong, apparently my engine has the dg-521 brown boot packs. Needless to say. I didn't change coil packs.
Anyways, when I was fueling up yesterday I noticed a hiss when I insert the nozzle. Then the truck started running rough so I turned it off. When I was done fueling I had a very hard time restarting the engine. Tried three times before it started, then it died almost immediately. I had to give it some pedal to keep it running and eventually it ran smoothly. Still sound like coils?
Anyways, when I was fueling up yesterday I noticed a hiss when I insert the nozzle. Then the truck started running rough so I turned it off. When I was done fueling I had a very hard time restarting the engine. Tried three times before it started, then it died almost immediately. I had to give it some pedal to keep it running and eventually it ran smoothly. Still sound like coils?
New User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 20
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 239
Likes: 2
From: allen park, mi
i am interested too. 2013 5.0, 177k miles. just dies out sometimes. no rhyme or reason, cold, warm, dry or wet. just sputters out and i have to coast to shoulder. sometimes it starts after a few tries, sometimes it takes 20 tries to get her running. replaced that part by spare tire, new plugs. never a check engine light or codes on computer. love the truck, hate this issue
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,740
Likes: 37
From: Central NYS
That hissing may be indicating that the canister valve is stuck or the canister vent is plugged, and/or that the purge valve is not sealing. That may be pulling a vacuum on the fuel tank and dropping the effective fuel pressure.
New User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I just read another thread on here where someone mentioned vct solenoid. Does the 4.6 have the same vct solenoid as 5.4? I've unplugged mine and the engine seems to run good. No stalling issues ir rough idle. Does trigger the check engine light though.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Ramsey
I have a 2010 with a 4.6. 191k on it. When I bought it (178k) my son took it to the dealer where he works, they did a full tune up including plugs, coils, wires, etc, and computer reprogramming. Now runs smooth as can be, gets 23 mpg on the highway at 70 mph and feels pretty strong. It's going in for chains soon, but runs strong and has no issues.