I've also been having this problem for the past month or so. It started at around 4000 miles. Wrench light comes on, truck goes into fail-safe mode, then the engine light usually comes on and stays on. It's all part of being on the "bleeding edge" of technology. However, it does get frustrating. Today will be my third trip to the shop because of the electronic throttle control system. I figure I shouldn't have to stare at a warning light on a brand new vehicle. Other than that, the truck is totally awesome. I've had many compliments from Ford, Chevy, & Dodge owners alike. I'm just afraid to give them a ride until I get this problem fixed. I'm taking the info about the throttle body swap to my dealer today. I believe Ford's service bulletin is stating not to change it though, claiming that this isn't the real cause of the problem. For the guys who have had the throttle body changed, have you had any problems since? How many miles do you have on your fix? Thanks.

Also, has anyone heard if the 4.6L is having the same problem with its ETC? Is this problem isolated to the 5.4L? The 2004 Explorer also has this system now... heard of any problems there?

Silver 2004 SuperCrew FX4

 

Well the dealer just said that Ford enginneers told them a few things to do to my truck to bring it in. I'm wondering if the throttle body is one of them. Will keep you posted.

 

I don't have the problems you guys are having, but I noticed there is a pretty big lag time from the time I step on the gas to the time the engine actually responds. Is this like this for all these throttle systems? Or is mine about to go out as well?

 

Don't know much on that yet, But this is what I am seeing by watching the net. Lag time has been discussed since 04 first came out on alot of sites, now that there are miles on these trucks the throttle problems are showing up.
Me thinks they got a problem.
I'm wondering if I'm going to have to putt a pull cord on my new truck to get me home

 

I also think there is to much lag in the throttle, perhaps becouse the same computer that calculates every thing else in the tuck also has to try and figure out where your foot is.


04 F-150 4x4 XLT

 

DanRI - You just gave me an idea. My lag went away tonight by the way, so maybe you aren't far from the truth. Maybe it's a combination of a few things going on at once. One day my throttle response is terrible, the next day it's as good as it can get. Makes me wonder.

Just for the record, I told my wife when I found out this truck was "fly-by-wire" that if I had problems, that would be one of them. Man, I hate being right all the time

 

This is an interesting post. I'm seriously considering an F-150 however, like all of you here, I can not be without my truck. Two jobs, many places to be all the time. I think I'll wait and keep my eyes on this post to see if Ford can resolve this.

Sorry you guys have to do the testing for Ford - but I REALLY appreciate it.

 

Beginning on page 57, check it out:
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi...f/OBDSM404.pdf

 

lariatf150,

Thanks for the great info. Sounds like Ford was aware of the potential problems before the truck ever hit the streets. It's a very complex system. Hopefully they can debug it soon.

Is anyone else curious how this new engine would have responded to a cable driven throttle and a few changes to the limiters, etc.? I wonder how much that PCM is holding back on us for the sake of fuel economy and engine protection. If you drive sensibly it doesn't matter... But, who wants to do that ALL the time? Regardless, it's a great truck.



Silver '04 SuperCrew FX4

 

Fellas,
That seems to be a very complex system indeed that a bug could pop up in. For me, times are not good at all. I have my truck in the shop for the third time for this problem. I have received a call from a Zone Manager and the service manager. Several attempts to fix this have been made at the Ford engineers request. Nothing is working and they won't put a time frame on it. I have been with out the use of my truck (business). Everyday is the same story, they call me & say they have talked with engineers and are waiting on them to call back I guess with some other something to throw at it. Guys, when is enough enough? Sooner or later this plug has to be pulled. I have to get back on with things and I am feeling more and more like I need to get some representation? What your thoughts.....

 

candc,

I would at least demand a loaner of equal or greater value/capability. Especially if Ford is requesting the testing. I've also had mine in three times for this. However, I've always been in and out within a hour or so. I can't see Ford letting this drag on too much longer. Good luck!

 

They need to learn how to properly troubleshoot electronic components. I do a lot of troubleshooting in the field I'm in (telecom) and things don't always act they way they should. It's just a matter of eliminating components until you're left with the problem child. I'm not saying it's very easy, but there are only so many components involved here...so why don't they just rule out every piece by testing until they end up with the solution? It being a new system doesn't help. I guess some of the mechanics that aren't very electronically inclined will have trouble with this sort of thing. If you know how something SHOULD work, that goes a long way to finding out why it's not working the way it should when there's a problem. They need to identify every piece of hardware that has a role in whatever it is you're dealing with and then look at each of those pieces. Hang in there...

 

wrench light is for detected failure in the electronic throttle control.
Ford has informed us that a *new* calibration update will be available as of 3/4/4. This is supposed to fix most of the problems out there. Ford believes the majority of these wrench lights are caused by rf interference, the calibration update is supposed to
cure this... I hope. Unfortunately the light can be set by different modules pcm abs hec. The dealer should fix all other faults/codes before attempting to repair the wrench light.
I hope this helps...

 

I feel the same way Candc ...my truck is in the shop for the 3rd time as well with no idea on how they are gonna fix it...I asked them about the throttle body and they tell me its fine ...they already replaced the PCM so I dont know whats gonna happen..


well keep you posted

 

My wrench light was coming on every other day. I finally got tired of going to the Ford garage all the time just to have them clear the code and tell me there wasn't a fix yet. So... the last time the light came on I simply disconnected the negative battery cable and let the thing set for about 15 minutes. After reconnecting the cable the light was off and has stayed off for the past 2 1/2 weeks. I haven't had any trouble since. Is this the cure? Maybe temporarily at least. Remember, I didn't have any problems for the first 4000 miles. I'll probably wait to get the updated calibration until the light comes on again. It's good to know Ford may have a permanent fix though. Thanks for the info gramps2.