2014', 5.0L, 210K
My check engine light came on today so I took the truck to the local auto parts store to run the code 0-300 which means a random misfire. The store's computer suggested I change the coil packs or spark plugs, the plugs I changed at 190K so my question is how long do the coil packs last?

 

Like any other electric component, they last until they don't. With your mileage it's a safe bet they need to be changed.

 

Update. I installed new coil packs and the problem is worse. At slow acceleration the truck hesitates at other times under a load when stopped the engine speeds up. While sometimes stopped and shifting from forward to reverse the engine drops to around 350 RPM than dies. I used Excel coil packs.

 

Take them back and get Motorcraft.

 

Could the problem be anything else?

 

Considering the symptoms you described above? "Got worse after using aftermarket components" I'd have to say it's possible but.... Without putting eyes/hands on there's no way for anyone to say one way or the other.

 

It's always possible but I would also make sure to verify that there aren't any plugs fouled out and make sure all the wires to your injectors and coils aren't chaffed. Also make absolutely sure the coils are seated correctly on the plug. Many times I've had to chase down misfires on cars because the boot wasn't seated right.

 

Could the computer show a random misfire code even if there was no misfire? The reason I ask is that the truck showed a random misfire code again but only during hard acceleration and the truck had plenty of power during the acceleration.

 

If the PCM calibration hasn't been updated to the latest, yes it can throw a random misfire code with no symptoms. Typically it won't pop the check wallet light on but the code will be there if you go looking for it.

 

This is what the truck is currently doing:
1) Engine light comes on during hard acceleration flashing temporarily of stays on until I disconnect the battery and reconnect
2) Runs at or below 500 RPM and sometimes dies at idle under a load such as AC being on or trans in gear
3) Has a vibration that is felt when the engine is under a load from idle up until approx. 1300 RPM. Including driving. The higher the RPM the less the vibration

I took the truck to a dealer 6 months ago because it was hesitating, dying and sometimes loping when lightly accelerating. The dealer changed the fuel pump when they found evidence of the pump pulling too much power, and not being able to maintain constant pressure but the issues persisted. I put Techron in the fuel tank and it helped with the hesitation. Three weeks ago the truck went to an independent repair shop, Ford was too busy, to have the rear main seal replaced, the vibration and low idle speed was there when I picked the truck up it was not there when I dropped it off. The service tech checked for codes but there were none so he believes I have low PSI in one cylinder but there is no smoke coming from the exhaust and the engine runs smooth at idle with no load. After, while on a trip, I had to pass someone on the highway and during acceleration the check engine light popped on. I have since changed the coil packs but the problems still persist. Since the truck was running worse when I pick it up after the seal replacement and worse still after I changed the coil packs I'm wondering if the cause is electronic since the battery was disconnected both times also, could the fuel pump the dealer installed be faulty. Any thoughts?

 

Have a compression test performed and bring those #'s back here.

 

From back left clockwise to back right the compression numbers are: 141, 146, 139, 142, 140, 145, 139, 141.

 

Nothing wrong with those compression readings.

 

Do Ford dealers do diagnostics or should I go someplace else?

 

If you can find a Ford dealer with a trained tech, they have the best diagnostic abilities of any shop bar none.