Misfire + Lean Code Problems w/1998 F250
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Misfire + Lean Code Problems w/1998 F250
1998 Ford F-250 (Light Duty) w/towing package 4X4 with 134,000 miles on it.ffice:office" /><O:p></O:p>
I have read how to fix one of my problems already thanks to RacerGuy's FAQ list, (Problem with my door ajar light), but I have yet other one that I have been trying to have solved for over 1 year and been through 5 different mechanics including a Ford Dealer and a new problem with the truck misfiring.<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Currently Problems:<O:p></O:p>
1. The truck is misfiring and it is getting worse. <O:p></O:p>
2. Check engine light is on with a lean bank condition code.<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Past History<O:p></O:p>
The truck’s check engine light has been on since last year with a diagnostic of Lean Condition in both banks. The problem started after I took my truck to a local garage to fix the truck because the truck all of a sudden started to miss-fire badly. The local guy changed to the plugs, which he didn’t have my permission to do because a mechanic changed them only 6 months before, and he changed coil pack #6. Twenty minutes after I left the garage the check engine light came on. I immediately took it back to the garage where the mechanic told me he forgot to hook something back up, which he supposedly did and he reset the computer and I left only to have the check engine light come back on 1 week later. I took the truck back to the garage to have them fix the problem and left the truck overnight. I returned the next morning and they told me the problem was due to the fact that something was not hooked up correctly and they fixed it. I went out to find the truck had been broken into over night and the garage told me they weren’t responsible and that ended our relationship. One week later the truck light came on again. This time I took it to a Ford dealer. I explained the problem to them and they diagnosed the problem as a fuel filter problem and changed the filter. Not twenty-four hours later, while on a road trip to Texas, the check engine light came back on. The next stop was to a mechanic that is a close friend of mine. He changed 2 of the 4 O2 sensors on the truck and the light stayed off for weeks then reappeared with the same “lean-condition code”. At that point I gave up and ran the truck with the check engine light on. <O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Current History<O:p></O:p>
I have the truck at a garage now because of the misfire problem that arose last week. The misfire problem does not show up in the computer however the mechanic can tell it is misfiring both when idling and when you drive the truck. The mechanic wants to treat the problem of the “lean condition” first before they start on the misfire. They said they hooked up a gauge on the fuel rail and the truck fuel pressure is supposed to run between 30-48 but it is running at 28-29 and further out of spec when the truck is being driven. The mechanic changed the fuel filter already (without my permission) so he is only going to charge me for 1.5 hours instead of the 2 hours of diagnostics. The mechanic next step is to change the fuel pump in the tank, boil out the tank and go from there. (all for the low price of $1200 dollars) After the check engine light has been fixed, he will troubleshoot the misfire. <O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Questions (See Current/Past History):<O:p></O:p>
Misfire: Is there anyway to test for a misfire on a particular plug or coil pack without getting the code from the truck’s computer?<O:p></O:p>
Check engine: Is there other steps that can be taken or reasons why the Lean Bank condition to be caused? Should I have the fuel pump changed?<O:p></O:p>
I have read how to fix one of my problems already thanks to RacerGuy's FAQ list, (Problem with my door ajar light), but I have yet other one that I have been trying to have solved for over 1 year and been through 5 different mechanics including a Ford Dealer and a new problem with the truck misfiring.<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Currently Problems:<O:p></O:p>
1. The truck is misfiring and it is getting worse. <O:p></O:p>
2. Check engine light is on with a lean bank condition code.<O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Past History<O:p></O:p>
The truck’s check engine light has been on since last year with a diagnostic of Lean Condition in both banks. The problem started after I took my truck to a local garage to fix the truck because the truck all of a sudden started to miss-fire badly. The local guy changed to the plugs, which he didn’t have my permission to do because a mechanic changed them only 6 months before, and he changed coil pack #6. Twenty minutes after I left the garage the check engine light came on. I immediately took it back to the garage where the mechanic told me he forgot to hook something back up, which he supposedly did and he reset the computer and I left only to have the check engine light come back on 1 week later. I took the truck back to the garage to have them fix the problem and left the truck overnight. I returned the next morning and they told me the problem was due to the fact that something was not hooked up correctly and they fixed it. I went out to find the truck had been broken into over night and the garage told me they weren’t responsible and that ended our relationship. One week later the truck light came on again. This time I took it to a Ford dealer. I explained the problem to them and they diagnosed the problem as a fuel filter problem and changed the filter. Not twenty-four hours later, while on a road trip to Texas, the check engine light came back on. The next stop was to a mechanic that is a close friend of mine. He changed 2 of the 4 O2 sensors on the truck and the light stayed off for weeks then reappeared with the same “lean-condition code”. At that point I gave up and ran the truck with the check engine light on. <O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Current History<O:p></O:p>
I have the truck at a garage now because of the misfire problem that arose last week. The misfire problem does not show up in the computer however the mechanic can tell it is misfiring both when idling and when you drive the truck. The mechanic wants to treat the problem of the “lean condition” first before they start on the misfire. They said they hooked up a gauge on the fuel rail and the truck fuel pressure is supposed to run between 30-48 but it is running at 28-29 and further out of spec when the truck is being driven. The mechanic changed the fuel filter already (without my permission) so he is only going to charge me for 1.5 hours instead of the 2 hours of diagnostics. The mechanic next step is to change the fuel pump in the tank, boil out the tank and go from there. (all for the low price of $1200 dollars) After the check engine light has been fixed, he will troubleshoot the misfire. <O:p></O:p>
<O:p></O:p>
Questions (See Current/Past History):<O:p></O:p>
Misfire: Is there anyway to test for a misfire on a particular plug or coil pack without getting the code from the truck’s computer?<O:p></O:p>
Check engine: Is there other steps that can be taken or reasons why the Lean Bank condition to be caused? Should I have the fuel pump changed?<O:p></O:p>
New User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 18
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Hi johnv there are ways that you can check what cyl is misfireing.I work at a ford dealer and i would use a tester called WDS.I would find what is causing the misfire before anything.Because you might have engine problems.At least have them check compression so you aren't just throwing money away.That fuel pressure if correct is low.With ford test equipment you can test each coil and also do relative compression.That is where i would start.But with out all the equipment it is definetly time consuming.A cylinder balance test will tell you what cylinder is droping.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 68
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From: Washington State
Misfire and lean condition
Johnv,
I am by no means a mechanic but I just finished putting a supercharger on my 5.4. I too ended up with a lean condition on bank2 and then finally on both.
What I found was a leak between my supercharger and the plastic intake gasket. A large vacuum leak could be all of your problemsas they were mine. The fuel regulator works off of vacuum. Low fuel pressure and a lean condition might (I said I wasn't a mechanic) be caused by a big vacuum leak.
Light about three insense sticks and let the smoke go down by your intake manifiold. If the smoke disappears, you might need a new manifold gasket.
Just my two cents. I hope it is something simple that is easy to fix. I wish you well.
I am by no means a mechanic but I just finished putting a supercharger on my 5.4. I too ended up with a lean condition on bank2 and then finally on both.
What I found was a leak between my supercharger and the plastic intake gasket. A large vacuum leak could be all of your problemsas they were mine. The fuel regulator works off of vacuum. Low fuel pressure and a lean condition might (I said I wasn't a mechanic) be caused by a big vacuum leak.
Light about three insense sticks and let the smoke go down by your intake manifiold. If the smoke disappears, you might need a new manifold gasket.
Just my two cents. I hope it is something simple that is easy to fix. I wish you well.
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Thanks for the input guys. In regards to the Lean code problem, I am hoping I have a vacuum leak and I will try your suggestion.
I have two more questions about finding the misfire. When I drove the truck to work last night the check engine light started to flash when the truck was misfiring and then the light went off. Will the misfire code register in the trucks' computer database or will the code only be remain in the computer if the check engine light stays on after the misfire? And my second question is there a cheap diagnostic tool that I can purchase that I can leave hooked up to my computer that will display the misfire code when my check engine light starts to flash again?
Thanks for your help
I have two more questions about finding the misfire. When I drove the truck to work last night the check engine light started to flash when the truck was misfiring and then the light went off. Will the misfire code register in the trucks' computer database or will the code only be remain in the computer if the check engine light stays on after the misfire? And my second question is there a cheap diagnostic tool that I can purchase that I can leave hooked up to my computer that will display the misfire code when my check engine light starts to flash again?
Thanks for your help
New User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Yes the code will be set in memory.Not sure about scanners.Did see some cheep ones at the auto store don't know how good they work.I use the ford equipment at the dealer so i don't use much aftermarket scanners other then snap-on for are used cars that are non ford .
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