I'm new to the forum. I have a '94 f150 with 5.0 auto 2wd a/c(disconected) and 180k miles. I have a few problems and maybe someone here has had similar problems.
1. the check engine light comes on when I hit 60-70mph and stays on , It will sometimes go off when I slow back down, sometimes stays on a few minutes after, I can't notice anything wrong and doesn't drive any different so I've just been ignoring it
2. the airbag light blinks and stays lit, it hasn't deployed yet so I also ignore this. I figure the guy in the other car is going to need airbag a lot more than I do, so not too worried about this.
3. catalytic converter rattles at certain rpm's, doesn't bother me much
4. The engine hunts for the right idle when I first start it, sometimes if I throw it in gear at the low end of the idle it will stall, the idle usually evens out and is good after 30 seconds or so. I think more patience would fix this problem. *It was stalling a lot more but I decided to check the plugs cap and rotor and I think they were all original cause the plugs were gaped about 1/8", I can't figure how it was running at all.
5. I've noticed a whistling noise (sucking)and I'm pretty sure it's comming from this plastic canister under the hood, it's not the can that looks like a juice can it is bigger and has some bigger hoses comming off it. It has a small hole in the top of it (supposed to be there)but the hole seems to be sucking and gets worse when I floor it. *I may not be describing it perfect as I'm going from memory

If anyone has had similar problems and can point me in the right direction I may consider fixing. Otherwise I just keep driving and probably get another 100k out of it.

 

Not sure on the lights or the canister, but with the converter, it's probably time for a new one. Pull into a muffler shop and let them check it out. They can tell you if it's time for a replacement or not. Just remember... There are two converters. That could eat your pocket book up all at once.

Good luck!

Nightrain

 

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1: Pull codes. See www.fordfuelinjection.com for how to do it yourself or go to autozone and see if they can pull them. Some Autozones can only pull from '96 and up with odbII.

2: The blinking airbag light is another code. Post it and maybe we can help. If its 3 then 2 repeatedly then its the clockspring and is a dealer only part about $80 and you'll have to dig into the steering colmn to change it.

3: universal ones aren't too badly priced. Some people have removed theirs, depends on the inpections in your area.

4:sounds like the idle air controller. Do a search on this forum for iac and you'll see how to clean and test it.

5: I'll have to check my 94 to see what that is, but nothing under my hood makes a sucking sound so my first suggestion would be to plug it. Vacuum leaks would also effect idle and stalling.

Merry Christmas!
I'll try to remember to take a look in the morning and post back for ya
Popa Tim

 

Does my 94 store the codes? I figured that since the light goes off at an idle and only comes on at 60-70 mph that it would only read a code at 60-70 mph, and that might be a little tough. I think I should fix the airbag before attempting that.

As for fixing the airbag, I was thinking more along the lines of taking out the indicator bulb unless there was an easy fix for it.

As for the converter will a bad one have much adverse affect on the engine other than slightly anoying noise, and a little extra emissions?


I have actually taken out the IAC and cleaned it, but I didn't know what it was called. I did't do the resistance or voltage test on it, but I did plug it in and turn the key on and it moved so I figured it was good. Probably it is only slightly bad.

Thanks for all the great information.

 

oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the intermitent windshield wipers don't always work. My guess is that the relay isn't working. I haven't put much effort into tracking it down yet but maybe someone knows where the relay for the wipers is located? When they do work it sounds like the relay is somewhere by the glove box.

 

The control module for the intermittent wipers is behind the glove box. Remove the door, then the box and you will see it on the inside RH cowl side. Easy replacement.
Converter can easily affect driveability as well as your emissions test. If it rattles, you have a problem.

 

"I have actually taken out the IAC and cleaned it" did you replace the IAC gasket,you may need another gasket to? If the ABS is on i think the bag wont deploy in an accident. If you have an accident your insurance may not cover your medical bills. I believe there are stored trouble codes on your truck. Start with the codes, let us know if you find any.