Did the truck already fail a smog test? Did you get the printout on that? What makes you think it won't pass smog?

Knowing that it's running rough, it may still pass a smog test. All that they do these days is hook up to the OBD II port. The State's computer connects to your truck's computer, then checks the sensor readings. Maybe your truck's sensors are working fine. Maybe the sensor readings will be within parameters to pass. You could always go to one of those "pass or don't pay" places. If it doesn't pass, then they will tell you why, and that will give you an idea on what actually needs to corrected for the truck to pass. Worse case scenario is that the truck fails a visual inspection, and the shop shakes you down for more money - like they did to me. Any other car is $45, and they charged me an extra $30.

 

The truck will not pass smog. The check engine light is on. The PO stated he connected a scanner to it and it needs either 2 sparkplugs or 2 coil packs. The mechanic I am taking it to is a trusted mechanic I have gone to for many years. There is no way the truck will pass smog with it running rough.

Jim

 

Another cold, wet day. Everything is wet. The ground, cars, my head....... I have to use the wipers.

 

I take my "wins" as I can get them. Small victories. 1 at a time. An extra dollar off is good enough to make my day.

 

Works for me.

Jim

 

Okay... After replying to this forum, I saw in my inbox a "top 5 best/worst Ford trucks in history" email. From FTE of course, and I decided to open/read it to see if my truck was on the list. Not only is it on the list of worst Ford trucks, but it is also THE worst. Sure, they claim the 2004 is the actual king of worst, but mine is the same as the 2004. Lovely.

Jim

 

Happy Saturday Nor Cal. Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. The temps have cooled down a bit, so less AC use means a lower bill.

Jim

 

By this time last year, I was harvesting food out of my yard. This year, it's been so cold that nothing is producing.

But at least the 5h!t5t0rm of NorCal shenanigans in the news aren't quite as bad as the rest of the country.




What's the worst thing to happen here in the last few days? A drunk bar pilot crashing a cruise ship?

 

You have to take some of those best/worst lists with a grain of salt (or a pound sometimes). Ford sold a bunch of the ones like yours, and I would say a lot of them are still kicking around. If it is working for you, accept it.

 

Interesting that they arrest the mayor, but don't say what the charges are.

Jim

 

Criminal trespass and burglary in the 1st degree.

 

The City of South Fulton has already had problems with this guy.

 

There were many variations of the 11th generation. 2 V8s. 1 V6. 2WD. 4WD. Suspension packages. Tow packages. Some had a stick shift. Automatic transmissions came with column mounted and floor mounted shifters. And somewhere along the way, there was a change of automatic transmission.

Jim, which engine do you have? Different engines and configurations had their own issues. One engine had a problem with spark plugs backing out. Another engine had an issue with spark plugs being stuck in the engine, then breaking as you tried to take them out. There were timing chain, and other engine parts issues. Some engines had a weak oil pump. The good news, is that everything can be fixed. Almost 20 years later, all of the issues have been identified. And there are still a lot of these trucks on the road.

So you bought a used vehicle that needs work? Big deal. What old car doesn't need work? Every used car needs something. At least with your F-150, most of the problems are already identified, and there is a solution.

I have a 2007. It has had a fair share of gremlins. Some I have not fixed. Some things were shoddy from the factory. Some were caused by me. There are things that you can do to prolong the longevity of the truck. Once you have the engine issue addressed, you may want to think about the transmission if it's an automatic. ATF, transfer case fluid, and the differential fluid should be exchanged. Because of the truck's age, I would also install new belts, hoses, a new thermostat, and flush the cooling system. That AC issue could be that it just needs a can of coolant. Or, it's one of those little actuator motors behind the dash. If you get a chance, check the high mount brake light. They usually have faulty gaskets.

This guy's channel has pretty good content. He actually got a used 11th generation F-150, and had to do work on it.

 

Mine has the 5.4-liter 3 valve engine. Once the truck is legal, and the scooter lift installed, I will take it to the local red carpet car wash. They have two locations that also have an oil change option, and one that does smog tests. That one is also the closest to me, so I will go there and get a wash, oil change and smog test. I do want to get the trans fluid and filter changed, but it may have to wait until next month. Will have to see how much it will cost to get the engine past smog. I also need to get some used tires for the rear as soon as I can. I am happy I have it, just a little nervous about all the negative things I have read about this generation. I went to the truck yesterday, and the passenger front window has decided not to go up or down. The other three work fine, and it worked fine too two weeks ago when I visited it. I will check the next time to see if it will go up and down using the passenger door switch instead of the drivers.

Jim

 



At least you're in the right place., A lot of guys have already gone through what you're going to go through. Even if you don't do the work yourself, you'll have an idea of what the problem is. And you'll be able to tell if the guy working on your truck knows the problem.