Running on Four Cylinders??
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 74
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From: Santee, CA
Running on Four Cylinders??
OK, anyone been out running just fine and all of the sudden the "Check Engine" light comes on and it feels as though the engine is running on four cylinders. First thing I did was jump out and drain some fuel to make sure it was not the old water issue. It will start up just fine and actually run normal for a few seconds but then kick into this "dance" mode and the light comes on.
Is this a CPS issue? I have it in to the dealer for a code read, just wanted to fore-arm myself for the $$ call...
Is this a CPS issue? I have it in to the dealer for a code read, just wanted to fore-arm myself for the $$ call...
New User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 23
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From: Tuscaloosa, alabama
My truck did this once when I got in to crank it. It did not run good for any amount of time just threw the check engine light at me and felt like about 4 cylinders. It was a wiring harness that had been burned into two pieces.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 855
Likes: 5
If there is nothing visually wrong, start with the fuel filter. If you get a bad tank of fuel and the filter plugs, it can change performance from normal to horrendous in a very short period of time. Same symptoms rough running, no power, check engine light. Plus its cheap and easy and on most trucks needs to be done more often anyway.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 97
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From: Florida
I had an issue that sounds like it might be the same problem (truck would start fine and run for a few seconds or minute and then choke for a few seconds and almost die and then was OK) and after checking all the routine things including the wiring harness connector, and the wiring harness itself under the valve covers, I replaced the IDM (injection driver module) relay and that seemed to cure the issue. It cost about $8 at the dealer and is located in the under hood battery junction box on my truck.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Santee, CA
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 224
Likes: 1
From: Northern IN
It is extreemly unlikely that the codes will tell you anything useful. There is no code that indicates bad wiring harnesses.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 525
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From: New Braunfels TX
I had same problem. It was the injector harness under the vavle covers.My mechanic told me that they have a improved harness now. The clip on the older ones would break, which is what happened to mine. I had him replace both sides with the new, improved ones so I wouldn't end up on the side of the road. He worked at the ford dealership so I got parts at cost so that helped alot.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 74
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From: Santee, CA
Fixed...!
Welp, I got the truck back on Friday. It ended up being a completely melted transitioin connector in the right valve cover, melted injector harness connector to match. So now it's two new valve gaskets, two new harnesses and 8 new glowplugs. Not sure why he did the glowplugs but as long as he was into it...
What is the life expectancy of a glowplug?
What is the life expectancy of a glowplug?
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